Sporting's coach, Rúben Amorim, recalled today that the duel with Farense, in the second round of Group C of the Football League Cup, is “decisive”, even though it is the Lions' first game in the competition.
“It’s a decisive game. Even though we are starting the competition now, the League Cup could already end. Therefore, it is important to win the game, because it gives us an advantage for the second game”, said Rúben Amorim, at a press conference.
The coach recalled that there is “not much time to train” and stated that there could be new additions to the 'eleven', at a time when the team is on a 'wave' of victories, which “gives more confidence”.
Rúben Amorim also revealed the absence of Japanese midfielder Morita, due to injury, which will leave him out of this match and, quite possibly, the reception to Estrela da Amadora, on Sunday, for the I League, being in doubt for the meetings with Rakow and Benfica.
“We have to evaluate the players well, we don't have much time to recover and the focus is on understanding who has recovered well physically and has the best characteristics. For example, Morita will not be called up, he has a small injury and leaves us with doubts for the next games. It's a cycle that all big teams want to have, but it's difficult to manage. We are prepared for that”, said the Sporting fans’ coach.
Sporting's priority is the championship, highlighted Rúben Amorim, although the League Cup, as well as the Portuguese Cup, are also competitions that the 'green and white' group intends to win, using the expression “all or nothing”.
“The management did not give me any ultimatum, but the club demands it. Last year was very bad and we want to have that requirement. Sporting is on the right path. I feel that at this moment we have to face things like this, unlike three years ago. That’s why I decided to have this type of approach throughout this season”, explained Amorim.
Swedish striker Gyökeres “wasn't so free” against Boavista [2-0 at Bessa, on Monday, for the I League, compared to other previous matches, something that Rúben Amorim explained by his little use in the last few weeks, between national team commitments, cup games and expulsion.
“He went to the national team and played 45 minutes. He returned and did not play in the Portuguese Cup, in the Europa League he was sent off after eight minutes and then played against Boavista. He spent three and a half weeks where he played little and, for him, it's worse if he stops. It had consequences on his performance. He will be a starter tomorrow [Thursday], as he needs to play,” he said.
Sporting debuts in the League Cup with a home match against Farense, who leads Group C with three points. The match will take place at the José Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, from 20:15 pm, with Gustavo Correia, from the Porto Football Association, refereeing.
Comments