The coach previews “o Clássico” against FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal

Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome FC Porto to the Estádio José Alvalade this Wednesday, for the first leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-finals.

In his pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim spoke of the game as being a meeting “between two great teams” in which anything can happen.

"We are playing at home and we will have the support of our fans, but the teams are so similar and strong that FC Porto can win at Alvalade and we can win at the Dragão. We have played several times against FC Porto this season, so we have to look at what we did in the game at the Dragão and improve what we have to improve - and maintain what we did well", he said, before guaranteeing that the approach to the game will not be any different on account of the away goals rule.

"I don't see it that way. In the second leg it might have an influence, but our idea is always to score and not to suffer, and that won't change much. The players are used to playing to win and both teams always want more; I think that factor will have more of an effect in the second leg", he considered.

Amorim also expressed his opinion that FC Porto will be no less dangerous in the absence of Luis Díaz.

"FC Porto are a very strong team, and they can win games with and without Luis Díaz. They are in good form, just like Sporting CP, who had a draw in the last game but played well and should have won the game. We are two teams at full strength, and it is a very strong FC Porto".

After confirming that Pedro Gonçalves will miss the game and that Zouhair Feddal is a doubt, Amorim stated that Bruno Tabata will be part of his plans, and said that he was undecided as to whether João Virgínia would start in goal.

"We will choose the best team to win the game and the best goalkeeper to beat FC Porto".

Finally, the coach recalled that, despite this being the third Clássico between Sporting CP and FC Porto this season, both coaches could spring surprises.

"Coaches always try to improve their teams, and when there are very close games we make changes to play even better. We had the option of playing with Paulinho and Slimani in the last game. We didn't change the way of playing so much as the characteristics, and that creates some uncertainty for the opponents. We may make one change or another, and we still have one more day to choose the best team to win the game".

Sporting CP are held to a 1-1 stalemate

Sporting Clube de Portugal played out a 1-1 draw with CS Marítimo on Liga Portugal Matchday 24, away in Madeira.

With the absences of Pablo Sarabia, João Palhinha, Pedro Gonçalves, Bruno Tabata and Zouhair Feddal, coach Rúben Amorim made several changes to his initial lineup, including giving a first start to Islam Slimani. There was a return for Sebastián Coates, after serving a suspension, and Daniel Bragança and Nuno Santos were also brought in.
The duel in Barreiros went against Sporting CP almost from the off, with the home side scoring after just five minutes through Xadas. However, the response was not long in coming, as dangerous shots by Slimani, Coates and Pedro Porro provided danger.

Set up in the opposing half, they tried to attack open spaces whilst the opposition prepared counterattacks.

In the 38th minute, the equaliser finally came. Slimani appeared in the heart of the area, unmarked, and fired in a cross by Matheus Reis. It was a curious turn of events, as it had been precisely against CS Maritimo that he scored his first goal of his first stint at the club.

In the following minute, the home team put the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.

In the second half, Sporting CP remained dominant. The first warning came from Paulinho, thanks to a low shot, and then Coates was just centimetres from putting in well-aimed header from a cross. After 70 minutes, it was Pedro Porro's turn to try his luck, hitting the woodwork with his attempt.

With Marcus Edwards and Rúben Vinagre on the field, Sporting CP gave everything in the final stretch in search of a second goal, putting the opposition on the ropes. However, Coates had another header go wide, and Slimani had his shot blocked by a defender, in the last two chances of the game. 

Sporting CP will return to the Estádio José Alvalade on Wednesday, March 2nd, for a duel against FC Porto in the first leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-finals.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis, Pedro Porro, Matheus Nunes, Manuel Ugarte, Daniel Bragança (Rúben Vinagre, 80'), Nuno Santos (Marcus Edwards, 76'), Islam Slimani and Paulinho.

The coach reacts to a 3-0 win against GD Estoril Praia

At the end of the 3-0 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal over GD Estoril Praia, coach Rúben Amorim gave a post-match press conference and analysed the encounter.

"The response, as always, was very good. The players took the game very seriously; they didn't let GD Estoril Praia bring the ball out in the way that they like so much in a low block. We created danger with our crosses, although we didn't have many opportunities to get into the GD Estoril Praia area. We scored and went into the break ahead, with the game under control. However, we needed to create more chances. In the second half, with the sending off for them, we took even more control of the game. We had more opportunities to score more goals, and it ended up being a fair scoreline in a game that we controlled from start to finish", he began by telling journalists.

Amorim praised the showing by Matheus Reis, the scorer of one of the goals.

"When a player is out of action for a long time, it's difficult. He was left out of a squad [against Rio Ave FC] and took a while to get into the dynamic of the team. He has adapted well, and his teammates helped him and gave him strength and confidence. With the level of demand at this club, it's not easy to get into the side. Matheus understood that and he's a different player than he was before. It's credit to him and the teammates who helped him in difficult times. He has to keep working because I think he can give even more for us", he stressed.

The coach explained that the support of the fans in the match against Manchester City gave the team a lot of motivation for their victory this past Sunday.

"We had to give a response for the fans, for what they did for us on Tuesday. Their affection gave us more strength, because we want to be competitive. We don't want to lose and feel that everything is ok. They gave us more strength to reach that level one day, although it will take time".

He also shed light on Manuel Ugarte's substitution due to "discomfort in his neck, nothing more", and commented on Rúben Vinagre's situation.

"We have young players to whom we want to show commitment. We believe a lot in Rúben Vinagre. His situation was planned out at the beginning of the season. Vinagre will have his spot. He needs time and he had an injury that has limited him. There are players who suddenly come through. He is part of our plans, he knows the hope we have for him and we have time to help him".

Without Pablo Sarabia available for the next game, against CS Marítimo, due to an accumulation of yellow cards, Amorim expressed that he has options for the Spaniard's position in Madeira.

"Marcus Edwards is ready to take his place. We can play with Slimani and Paulinho, we can play with Nuno Santos a little higher up and other different ways. We have several options and we will choose the best eleven to face a game that will be very difficult", he said.

Os Leões best GD Estoril Praia at home in Liga Portugal

A 3-0 win for Sporting Clube de Portugal against GD Estoril Praia kept up the pressure at the top on Matchday 23 of the Liga Portugal season. Pedro Gonçalves, Matheus Reis and Pablo Sarabia scored the goals for Os Leões at the Estádio José Alvalade.

On a cold afternoon, albeit with clear skies and many families present in the stands, Sporting CP made three changes to the starting lineup that had faced Manchester City in midweek: Luís Neto - captaining the side in the absence of Sebastián Coates -, Zouhair Feddal and Manuel Ugarte were all brought in.

Paulinho provided the first dangerous move of the game in the seventh minute, when he stole the ball from a defender and moved towards goal. Soon after, Pedro Gonçalves' shot from long distance brought with it another close call.

Gonçalves' next opportunity, hit wide, came before the first move of any note for the visitors. Successfully stifling that chance, Sporting CP went forward again, as Pedro Porro struck over the crossbar.

Paulinho also threatened with a header and, in the 35th minute, a penalty kick was appealed for in the GD Estoril Praia area, for a handball by a defender, blocking Pablo Sarabia's shot. Referee Hélder Malheiro, however, ordered play to continue.

Finally, the deadlock was broken five minutes before the break. From outside the area, Sarabia had his shot blocked by Daniel Figueira, the ball falling to Gonçalves with the goal at his mercy. The goalscoring instinct of the No. 28 shirt did not let him down, and he made it 1-0 to Sporting CP.

There was still time for Matheus Nunes, after a great individual move, to shoot into the side netting, and for Sarabia to give Figueira work to do with a direct free-kick, but the first half ended 1-0 to Sporting CP.

During the break, more than 100 players from the Petizes, Traquinas, Benjamins and Infantis levels at the Pólo do Estádio Universitário de Lisboa (EUL) and at the Academias de Formação Sporting (AFS) took to the pitch as a prize for the excellent marks they had achieved at school.

The second half started with a slow pace, and on the hour mark coach Rúben Amorim put on Daniel Bragança in place of Matheus Nunes. Soon after, a counterattack ended with Porro hitting the ball towards the far post, with Paulinho arriving slightly late to the effort.

In the 64th minute, the referee sent off Raul Silva for a hard foul on Porro, leaving GD Estoril Praia down to ten men. Sporting CP became even more dominant and threatened when Sarabia received the ball in the area and shot -a defender intercepting the attempt.

With 20 minutes to go, Islam Slimani came on for Manuel Ugarte. Sporting CP made it 2-0 through an excellent counterattack that involved him, as Porro played to the striker in the midfield, he released to Matheus Reis, and a backheeled one-two with Paulinho ended with Reis putting the ball into the net.

Paulinho, Bragança and Reis all kept goalkeeper Figueira busy, before finally Sarabia found the space he needed to strike, scoring a magnificent goal that capped the 3-0 victory for Os Leões.

The team now travel to Madeira, where next Saturday they face CS Marítimo in Liga Portugal.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Luís Neto [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Zouhair Feddal, Pedro Porro (Gonçalo Esteves, 82'), Manuel Ugarte (Islam Slimani, 70'), Matheus Nunes (Daniel Bragança, 60') , Matheus Reis (Nuno Santos, 82'), Pablo Sarabia, Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho (Marcus Edwards, 82').

The coach gives a press conference before the home game against GD Estoril Praia

Back to Liga Portugal this weekend, Sporting Clube de Portugal play GD Estoril Praia at the Estádio José Alvalade this Sunday, off the back of a tough defeat in the Champions League at the hands of Manchester City.

Coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference before the league contest.

"We always have the same objective: to win the game. We are going to play against a team that knows what they are doing, who are well organised and who started the season very well. Then there was a 'normalisation,' so to speak, but they have a quality coach and have solutions," he began by saying.

"What we want is to do what we have done very often, which is to come off a Champions League game and realise that the league is very important for us. Our priority is to make that connection."

Sporting CP will be without the suspended Bruno Tabata, João Palhinha, Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio after the ill-tempered finale to the game against FC Porto, and will be up against a side that hasn't lost for three matchdays.

"We have enough quality players to face GD Estoril Praia. We are going to bring Dário [Essugo] back, for example, and that always opens up space for us to continue with our project, which is very important for us. GD Estoril Praia have always been a team that defend very well, and against us they have switched between a line of five and six at the back. They are strong in transition," he highlighted, adding: "We are sure that it will be a very difficult game, where they will be comfortable, because, in addition to the victory they had, playing at the Estádio José Alvalade takes the pressure off them. Therefore, we have to be very intense and we have the obligation and the need to win, which is our goal."

Asked to comment on the praise that Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, gave to Matheus Nunes, Amorim stressed that the young midfielder must keep his focus on working hard.

"I am pleased that other coaches recognise Matheus' ability, and I think he can become much better. We must also remember that at the beginning of the year, when we lost João Mário who had played in his position all year, there were many people who did not agree with the gamble that we took on Matheus Nunes. You have to look at it as being that at the beginning of the season he wasn't the worst and now he's not the best -you have to maintain your level and concentration to continue like this. It was very clear that he was a great talent, but I think that we still have a lot to work on."

Commenting on the return to training following the Champions League loss, Amorim described the feeling in the camp as 'normal,' given the result. "Today was completely different. It was difficult for us, but it's part of being a team that are used to winning."

On Liga Portugal, where the team drew against the leaders last time out, the coach explained that "obviously it was better to win; there is a 6-point difference and FC Porto don't lose many, but we have to play our games and always believe, because as the season goes on, the games become more difficult. Getting into the Champions League is very important for us, as is not letting those behind us in the table get closer whilst, at the same time, trying to move top.

"Our team is always strong in terms of spirit. We can win any game, even when we have players out, but of course we would be stronger if we had everyone available."

Speaking individually about winter reinforcements Islam Slimani and Marcus Edwards, he concluded that "everyone needs to understand the dynamics of the team well. Even the rhythm of training is different and all the details of a change count, but I'm sure that Edwards will be a great player."

"Slimani has had more opportunities, because the games have required that. They are both ready to help, and it depends on what we need in the game, but there is no rush, because our plan is not only for today, but also for the future."

​Sporting CP fall 0-5 to the English giants in the Round of 16

Sporting Clube de Portugal suffered a heavy defeat at home in the Champions League Round of 16, beaten 0-5 in the first leg of their tie against Manchester City.

Rúben Amorim once again adjusted his starting XI for the contest, fielding Antonio Adán, Matheus Reis, Sebastián Coates, Gonçalo Inácio, Pedro Porro, João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Ricardo Esgaio, Pablo Sarabia, Paulinho and Pedro Gonçalves.

The opening goal arrived on 7 minutes, from a move that initially appeared to be offside. A cutback from Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne found Riyad Mahrez, who slotted the ball into the net. A long check of VAR followed, with the goal eventually given.

City made it 0-2 in the 17th minute, following a corner. Rodri knocked the ball back for Bernardo Silva -one of four Portuguese players to feature for the visitors- and he hit a shot on the bounce past Adán.

Although trailing 0-2, Sporting CP were not intimidated and tried to stay true to their identity, but could not reach the opposition goal. In the 21st minute, Pedro Gonçalves reached the edge of the area and, with no pass available, ended up shooting wide.

On the half-hour, Ricardo Esgaio also had a good opportunity, after a long ball from Pedro Porro to Paulinho; he crossed to the left side of the area, but Esgaio's shot blazed over the crossbar.

Whilst Manchester City were frequently giving the ball away, they proved to be effective in front of goal. In the 32nd minute, Phil Foden ran in from behind Sebastián Coates and poked the ball into the net. Just before half time, Bernardo Silva hit a deflected shot on the break, taking the score to 0-4 at half time.

At the beginning of the second half, and after a goal was disallowed for offside by Bernardo Silva, Rúben Amorim made a change: On came Manuel Ugarte, in place of Pedro Gonçalves.

The scoring was completed in the 58th minute, as the visiting team made it 0-5 through a Raheem Sterling shot from the edge of the area.

Slimani and Bruno Tabata would replace Paulinho and Pablo Sarabia before the end, then Pedro Porro's made way for Luís Neto, but there was to be no consolation goal. Despite the support of 48,129 fans at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting CP would suffer a tough defeat.

The team return to action on Sunday, in Liga Portugal, against GD Estoril Praia.

​The coach is philosophical about the 0-5 defeat to Manchester City

Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim was naturally dissatisfied with the defeat against Manchester City FC, but said that he was “proud” with the players and also with the Sportinguistas for the support given to the team.

“The fans always support us, but today was really different. I had never seen anything like this. I think people are aware of the differences between the two teams and know what we are doing -and that it takes time. We already knew it was going to be a difficult game against what could be the best team in the world,” he began by saying in his post-match press conference.

“I think we started well, but we conceded the first goal in a moment in which we switched off. Then we tried again, but City always scored whenever they went forward. That demonstrates what a team they are. From the third goal onwards, it became about suffering and not about football."

“They scored five goals from six shots. For me, that is to the opposition's credit, but we could have performed better and not had lapses. There was a ball in which we slipped up, for the third goal. You have nights like this. It happened to us against AFC Ajax and it happened to us today, but in the same way that we turned things around after that game, now we can turn around for what's left of the season and work for the future, because this doesn't end here. It's a constant process and we have to make Sporting CP a better club.”

“I don't see any similarities with the game against Ajax. Today the team were not nervous, and we have grown a lot since that match. We have to take away the good things from this game even though it was tough and the second leg will be too, but we will grow from it."

“I am proud of the players and also the fans,” stressed the coach. “Although we lost in the way that we did, the support we received has a big effect and allows us to see that what we are doing makes sense. The leap up we made from one point to the next has consequences, and we have already paid two or three times for that growth. Nothing will stop us from achieving our goals. One thing is for sure: Sporting CP will be better in the future and the club will fight for trophies."

“All clubs needed time and to spend money to grow and become the great European clubs they are today, and we are going the same way. We are doing so without the same amount of money, but we have our fans and players with a lot of potential, and we've also been working well. We all need to evolve. It will take time, but we have already proven that we are fighting for trophies. It's not just any team that can reach this stage of the Champions League," Amorim expressed.

​The midfielder talks to the media before the game against Manchester City

Manuel Ugarte previewed the match against Manchester City, which takes place on Tuesday at the Estádio José Alvalade, in a press conference before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.

The Uruguayan international began by acknowledging that "City are favourites and are a great team," but assured fans that Sporting CP are also strong.

"We are very united, which is important," he said, remarking that the game is "the most important" of his still short career.

"It's an experience that makes me very happy," Ugarte added, before praising how his teammates have helped his development.

"We have four midfielders, and there are no starters or substitutes, which makes everything easier. I have learned a lot and I continue to learn from [João] Palhinha. The most important thing is that the team wins, no matter who plays". 

"We have to have a great game. At this stage, details are very important. The remaining sides are teams with great quality and details matter. Sporting CP will have to be up to the challenge and pay attention to those details," he concluded.

​The Sporting CP coach talks about the fixture against Manchester City

Rúben Amorim was present in a press conference ahead of the match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City FC, in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The game takes place on Tuesday at 8pm local time, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The coach began by explaining that "one of the great facets of the group is faith and belief," when questioned about his side's chances against one of the favourites to win the competition.

"We work hard and believe in our idea. We will be facing one of the best teams in the world and the best coach at present, but with a very strong base. Faith makes special things happen and that is what we will expect tomorrow. We want to make Sportinguistas proud," he told journalists at the Auditorio Artur Agostinho.

"It is very difficult to take focus away from the players. For the second time in history, Sporting CP have reached this stage of the competition, and we are playing against the Premier League leaders. The FC Porto game will not have any influence on this match," he added, later praising City coach Pep Guardiola.

"There is a big difference between the teams, but I'm happy. I have players who can reach a level of play that City have at the moment," he promised.

Again asked about the controversial game against FC Porto last Friday, the coach admitted "what happened at Estádio do Dragão was not pretty. The players are very much to blame. However, it is time to talk about a Champions League game, the Round of 16, against the best team and the best coach in the world. We have to change the way we look at football and focus on the game. Players and coaches have to improve, but a lot of people around football also have to do so."

In terms of strategy to achieve a good result, Amorim considered that "it is impossible to draw up a plan to cover Manchester City," but insisted that he will not change the team's identity.

"We base our style on what we do well and we will try to take the game into that terrain. When we look at City, we think we could do more of this or more of that. Sporting CP players can reach that level. We might be more careful in our pressure, but we will not change our idea or our identity."

On whether Pep Guardiola is one of the coaches he most admires, Amorim said that "my big reference has always been [José] Mourinho, "Guardiola is, at the moment, the best coach in the world. City are the most technically and tactically evolved team. Guardiola is the opposite of us; he has great flexibility. He's a reference for all coaches."

The coach confirmed that Pedro Gonçalves is fit and available for the game, and reiterated that his side have a chance to cause an upset.

"It is possible. I'm not going to give percentages or probabilities. My players have surprised me many times and performed miracles. It's more important that they believe a lot."

A tense Clássico ends in a stalemate at the Estádio do Dragão

Playing for almost the entirety of the second half down to ten men, Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 2-2 with FC Porto in O Clássico at the Estádio do Dragão. Paulinho and Nuno Santos both struck for the team to establish a 0-2 lead, but the hosts responded with two goals to share the spoils.

Sporting CP made changes to their starting XI, Rúben Amorim fielding Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Nunes, Manuel Ugarte, Matheus Reis, Pablo Sarabia, Paulinho and Nuno Santos.

As expected, FC Porto started well and pressed high, but Sporting CP's response was immediate. Paulinho recovered the ball on the edge of the area, turned and shot at Diogo Costa, in a warning of what was to come.

Paulinho's opener came off a quick move by Os Leões, involving a cross from the right by Matheus Reis into the six-yard-box and the striker heading in on 8 minutes.

Opportunities for both sides followed, but without significant danger until the last ten minutes of the first half, when Sporting CP scored again: Another cross from Matheus Reis was not cut out by FC Porto defender Pepe, and Pablo Sarabia cut back to Nuno Santos. With only Diogo Costa in front of him, he picked his spot to make it 0-2.

The two-goal lead at the Dragão would not last long, however, as three minutes later FC Porto's Fábio Vieira received a pass from Vitinha and pulled one back with his strike.

An intense first half concluded with the score at 1-2.

The second half picked up from where the first left off, and Sporting CP found themselves reduced to ten men due to the sending off of captain Sebastián Coates. The centre back had previously been booked in the first half, after reacting to a poor challenge from Evanilson, and saw a second yellow for a tangle with the same player.

His side outnumbered, Amorim brought on João Palhinha at the expense of Sarabia, to shore up the midfield.

On the hour, FC Porto threatened to equalise, but Zaidu's shot hit the post. 

Some 65 minutes in, Amorim introduced Slimani and Luís Neto for Nuno Santos and Paulinho. Sporting CP looked to hold their lead, but also wanted to score a definitive goal.

Unfortunately, it was FC Porto that, in the 78th minute, found the net. Taremi headed in with a controversial goal, having left Zouhair Feddal laying on the pitch and having to receive medical assistance.

At 2-2 the game became even more intense, with both sides looking for the winning goal. FC Porto created more danger, but Sporting CP remained compact defensively. Late on, Adán made a massive save before the final whistle to ensure that the team took a point back to Lisbon.

The Clássico ended with a series of expulsions in a fracas after the final whistle. Bruno Tabata and João Palhinha were sent off and will miss the next Liga Portugal game against Estoril Praia, as will Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio, who saw his fifth yellow in the league this season.