The coach gives credit to the team for their showing against CD Tondela

Following the triumph over CD Tondela, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim analysed the 1-3 away result, stating that the success came largely from an attack without an out-and-out striker.

“The idea was to take away any references for CD Tondela, who have three central defenders who are very strong in the air and field two very close lines: One defensive and one for midfield. We wanted to have strong players between the lines and arriving from behind, because they attack the area well and are used to playing high up the pitch. It had an effect,” he began by saying in his post-match press conference.

“We had a very complete first half, but the second half was not so good because we lost the ball in areas where we didn't have to. Without applying a high press, we gave the ball to the opposition and they had some transitions. It was one-way traffic, apart from a few breaks. We ended up winning fairly,” he stressed.

The coach then addressed the situation involving Islam Slimani, the striker having not been in the team's last training session and left out of the squad for the game.

“Slimani didn't know if he was going to play and he didn't participate in the last training session because, according to how the week went, we understood that he wasn't up to the standard of what is required of a Sporting CP player. There are basic things that are important, but there is no issue. I am sure that Hugo Viana and the president trust me and the way I lead the group. I'm sure that none of my players are bad people and, therefore, everyone can have bad weeks. Tomorrow he will have a new opportunity, he will be in training and he will be at his best. With a new week, comes a new life. He was not at the required level to play, but next time he will be,” he assured.

Finally, Amorim admitted that he was “irritated” by the fact that Matheus Reis picked up a yellow card, which rules him out of the derby against SL Benfica.

“He allowed himself to be pressured by an opposing player, and then when he wanted to go for the ball there was contact. I was irritated by the yellow card and the way we lost the ball. It takes away an option because he is a player with different characteristics and we don't have him to play left back now. But we have Vinagre, who started very well, and Nuno Santos, who was suspended this week. It’s one less option for us, but we’re going to go into the game with a lot of desire to win,” he concluded.

​The coach previews Saturday night's league game

In a Friday press conference, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim previewed the match against CD Tondela on Matchday 29 of the Liga Portugal season. He had praise for the opposition, stressing that his side must play better than last weekend in order to get the victory.

“I expect the usual game against a team fighting for survival, with talented players and a 5-4-1 formation, which takes away a lot of space in our play. We will have to be creative, mobile and aggressive in the way we attack all the small spaces that CD Tondela might leave," he told the media.

"On the last matchday they played without a forward, with a lot of mobility and they are very strong not only in terms of speed, but also in the way they link up. They are very dangerous. They are very motivated because they won last time out, and they don't have any pressure on them this weekend, so I am predicting a difficult game. As for us, we have to win and play better than last week. That's what we have focused on during the week,” stated the coach.

CD Tondela recently changed coaches, with Nuno Campos now in the dugout. Amorim says he knows what to expect.

“He has specific characteristics and knows the league very well. For me, Pako [Ayestarán] had an excellent season, bringing together very talented kids with a good way of playing. I think they maintain that same shape, but a Portuguese coach adapts better to what the game asks for."

Sporting CP side will be without João Palhinha and Nuno Santos through suspension, as well as the injured Zouhair Feddal.

“Feddal felt some discomfort  in training and will be out. We are going to include José Marsà in the squad and everybody else is ready to be called up. We had periods in the last game that weren't good and we tried to work on that, and there is internal competition for places. We want to get back to having great performances and, above all, win the game."

“We have a lot of belief that we can win every game. Winning all the games would give us a very high points tally, and then we shall see what might happen. We have to believe until the last moment. By winning our games, we get closer to something happening. If we lose or draw, everything becomes much more difficult in terms of the title chase."

In Tondela, Amorim will take charge of his 100th game with Sporting CP. He commented on this, saying that “I hope to be here for 100 more. My goal is to stay at Sporting CP for many years, but it all depends on the results and the most immediate match is that against CD Tondela."

The squad are put through their paces on Thursday morning

Sporting Clube de Portugal trained this morning at the Academia Sporting, in Alcochete, in order to prepare for Saturday's game at the Estádio João Cardoso against CD Tondela.

Coach Rúben Amorim once again had the entire squad available for the session.

The team will have another session on Friday at 10:30am local time, held behind closed doors. The pre-match press conference will take place at 12:30pm.

​The coach reflects on a 2-0 win over FC Paços de Ferreira

Rúben Amorim expressed his satisfaction with another triumph for Sporting CP in Liga Portugal, although he admitted that his side did not put in their best performance against FC Paços de Ferreira.

“In the first half there were many balls that we recovered very high up the pitch, with FC Paços de Ferreira left open, and we could have finished those chances off better. We controlled the game well, but at the start we lacked better finishing," he stated in his post-match press conference.

"We didn't give Paços chances, we didn't let them circulate the ball and then we took the lead. At the beginning of the second half, it was obvious to everyone that we had difficulties. Bringing on Ugarte and Marcus Edwards helped, but the whole team improved: We had more of the ball and we controlled the opponents more. This game was a sort of a summary of what this season has been like: There were moments of anxiety, of euphoria, shots hitting the posts and moments in which we controlled things. Players have to understand that a game has several phases.”

"What matters is that we ended up winning and didn't concede. Now we will focus on the next game."

The coach reiterated that he believes the team can win their remaining games this season.

“I'm never calm, because I think the team can always do better, but we're always evolving . I don't feel at ease, but I feel rested because we did our job. Whatever will happen, happens, we just have to focus on ourselves and I believe we can win the next six games.”

“Today the fans demanded more - Sporting CP are always demanding more. I think we had an excellent end to the game against a team that had zero shots on target. It's a good sign when people want more from a team that had several chances to score and that controlled the game. It is a sign of growth for the team and the club. We always have to do better."

Amorim also addressed the controversy surrounding the penalty awarded to Sporting CP.

“If people say that our coaching staff manage to make Sporting CP benefit from refereeing, then that is a miracle and a compliment they are paying us. The referee went to VAR, rescinded Paulinho's yellow card for simulation and gave a penalty. It didn't change the content of the game, which continued to be the same throughout the match."

Sporting CP strike twice without response at home to FC Paços de Ferreira

Sporting Clube de Portugal hosted FC Paços de Ferreira on Matchday 28 of the Liga Portugal season, winning 2-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade. The victory took them three points off the top of the table, with rivals FC Porto taking on CD Santa Clara on Monday night.

The match marked the return from the international break, and Rúben Amorim chose a starting XI of Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Matheus Reis, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Santos, Pablo Sarabia , Paulinho and Pedro Gonçalves for the task at hand.

Sporting CP commanded proceedings, with FC Paços de Ferreira able to stifle the channels through to goal in the first 15 minutes. However, persistence paid off and in the 20th minute the home side took the lead with a goal from Pablo Sarabia from the penalty spot. Paulinho had gone down in the box, initially receiving a yellow card for simulation, but VAR corrected the decision and resulted in the awarding of the penalty. Sarabia sent goalkeeper André Ferreira the wrong way from the spot, scoring his 15th goal for the club -his ninth in the league.

After half an hour of play, Sporting CP came close to making it 2-0: First through Paulinho, who had an effort held by André Ferreira, then by Pedro Gonçalves, whose first-time shot off a pass by Pedro Porro went just over.

Antonio Adán was a steady presence in goal in the first half, albeit rarely tested by shots on target.

After the interval, FC Paços de Ferreira looked to equalise, and prevented Sporting CP from creating dangerous situations. Rúben Amorim made a change before the hour, taking off João Palhinha -on a booking- and Pedro Gonçalves, and bringing on Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Edwards.

Both provided a boost for the team, but Sporting CP were struggling to convert their chances into goals. Matheus Nunes, Marcus Edwards and Paulinho came close, and Pablo Sarabia hit the bar with a shot from outside the area.

The second goal finally came in the 72nd minute. Manuel Ugarte played a long pass upfield, and an unmarked Nuno Santos broke into the box to make it 2-0 to Sporting CP.

Pablo Sarabia nearly scored a third, but fired wide from close range. 3-0 on his feet, but the shot went wide. Os Leões claimed an important three points, and now have just under a week in which to prepare for an away fixture against CD Tondela on Saturday at 8:30pm local time.

The coach looks ahead to the return from the international break

Returning to action after the international break, Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome FC Paços de Ferreira on Matchday 28 of the Liga Portugal season.

Coach Rúben Amorim gave a pre-match press conference ahead of the game, and began by commenting on the last two weeks of work and preparation.

"It was a good two weeks. We had players away with their national teams and we also didn't have the opportunity to see some of the kids, because they also went away with the youth national teams -which is a good sign. But we worked well, we had important players from the first team stay here, and that was good for them to get back to their routines and work well to prepare for this game."

"Since César [Peixoto] was appointed as Paços de Ferreira coach, they have picked up 22 or 23 points. They are a team full of confidence that come to Alvalade without any pressure. The pressure is all on us, and we have prepared the game in the best way. We know the difficulties we are going to have and we are prepared to win the game," he told journalists.

Asked whether second place is a given at this stage of the campaign, especially in the event of a victory over FC Paços de Ferreira this weekend, Amorim rejected the idea and reinforced that every match is important.

"We don't take anything for granted because we can drop points at any time. Our focus is on winning every game. We don't drop that many points and we are six points behind first place. FC Porto have dropped even fewer points than us and any game can make a difference. We are always alert, but we don't affirm anything if we don't win, nor do we guarantee anything if we win. We have to win every game if we want the title and we have to win our games to guarantee second place. When it's mathematically guaranteed, we can relax in that sense and just think about the top spot."

Regarding the players at risk of suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards, Amorim assured that he will field those he considers best for the game.

"All of the players are prepared and I will not keep anyone in reserve. If someone gets a yellow card that takes them out of the next game, I have other players. This is the most important game. We will continue on this path, because we have confidence in the players."

Another of the topics addressed was that of the decision to extend the five substitutions rule, with Amorim revealing that he was in favour of the move.

"It used to be very traditional in that aspect, but I think it's very good for football to have five substitutions available. In terms of our management of the squad, it's also important to have five players who can participate in the game off the bench. I think the five substitutions should stay. It makes perfect sense."

Finally, the coach spoke about the signing of Fatawu Issahaku, an 18-year-old Ghanaian player: "He will, at least, take part in preseason in the summer with us. We believe in him a lot and we have called him up to train with the first team a few times. He has made an adaptation in the B team to grow physically and adapt to the club. We can see that he needs to learn tactical concepts, which is normal for a young player coming from a different kind of football. He has great talent, is very fast and shoots from different spots. He can improve a lot, but it is on him to get into the first team. In my mind, he is a first team player. We believe in him a lot and we did a great job to convince him to come here, knowing that many clubs wanted him."

Sporting CP vs. FC Paços de Ferreira takes place at 8:30pm local time this Sunday, April 3rd, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

​The defender signs a contract extension with Sporting CP

Gonçalo Inácio and Sporting Clube de Portugal have agreed a contract extension for the central defender, running through to 2026 and with a 45 million euros buyout clause. The 20-year-old has been at the club since 2012, making his way up through the ranks before reaching the first team in 2020/2021.

"I've spent many years at the club and it's a huge source of pride to represent Sporting CP and wear this shirt. I feel privileged and I have to keep working hard," he began by telling the media after putting pen to paper on the new deal.

"It's a recognition of how I worked hard to get here. I appreciate the trust placed in me and I will continue to do my best. It's always special to wear the Sporting CP shirt. I have always worked hard, even when I was playing less. I only thought about improving, day after day."
"What I would say to young players is that you always have to believe in your dreams and work as hard as you can, because one day that will be rewarded."

This season, Inácio has been the player with the fourth most minutes to his name (3139), and the most frequently used defender by coach Rúben Amorim. In total, he has played 37 games and scored four goals for Sporting CP this season.

His list of honours includes the Liga Portugal title (2020/2021), two Taças da Liga (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) and a Supertaça de Portugal (2021), but he assured fans that he does not want to stop here: "I want to continue winning trophies, and this is what we are working to do. I watched many Sporting CP games when I was little and now I'm here to give my best and give the fans plenty of joy."

The young refugees are being hosted by the club during the current conflict

A group of Ukrainian children hosted by Sporting Clube de Portugal after they were forced to abandon their country due to the invasion by Russia, joined up with the first team squad for Thursday's training session.

The youngsters watched morning workout at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, getting to watch the players up close. They also had the opportunity to participate in the initial part of the session, exchanging passes with the squad and showing off their skills in front of the goal.

Under the watchful eye of coach Rúben Amorim, the enthusiasm was visible on the faces of the children on an enriching morning for all those involved.

The Ukrainians are being welcomed by Sporting CP and have participated in various initiatives organised by the club.

The team get ready for their next Liga Portugal encounter

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to work this Tuesday, to begin preparing for their upcoming game on Matchday 28 of the Liga Portugal season. This Sunday, at 8:30pm local time, they host FC Paços de Ferreira at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Coach Rúben Amorim again called up several young players for the training session, including Diego Calai, Gonçalo Costa, José Marsà, Edu Pinheiro, Gilberto Batista, Hevertton Santos, Renato Veiga, Miguel Menino, Vando Félix and Nicolai Skoglund. Pedro Porro underwent treatment for his injury.

The team will train again on Wednesday (10:30am), behind closed doors, at the Academia Sporting.

Several young players are brought up to work with the first team

The Sporting Clube de Portugal squad returned to training at the Academia Sporting on Tuesday, with several players away on international duty.

Absent were Sebastián Coates (Uruguay), Gonçalo Inácio and Matheus Nunes (Portugal), Islam Slimani (Algeria), Pablo Sarabia (Spain), Dário Essugo (Portugal Under-19s) and Gonçalo Esteves (Portugal Under-18s), representing their respective countries. In light of this, coach Rúben Amorim invited several youngsters from the youth setup to the session.

Pedro Porro was present but did not participate in the session, instead undergoing treatment.

Os Leões train again on Wednesday morning, behind closed doors.