Topics addressed by Rúben Amorim in the preview of Saturday’s meeting (6 pm) with Portimonense, for the 23rd round of the League (more topics in associated news).
Francisco Trincao starting after a good performance against Estoril?
“In the same way that, when they play badly, I come here to defend the players, now it’s the other side. In the first half, Trincão didn’t have much ball, in the second he scored a goal, unlocked a little bit and had plays that drew a lot of attention. He can stand (in eleven) or he can go to the bench. I’ve done it with several players because each game has its story. Trincao did not earn the right to play in the starting line-up, he won during the week. There are other players for the same position who have the same right, then I choose. Trincao is not guaranteed to start from scratch. We will see the eleven that we will choose.”
Savings thinking about the game with Arsenal?
«We don’t spare players, we rotate because we have quality players. The characteristics of the games are different and we choose the players accordingly.»
Player concentration vs. market rumours:
«All players look at their career, they want to play in bigger championships, I was a player myself and I understand that. But if they don’t have income, they don’t play. They are more valued with the status of the team in the league and in European competitions. Team performance is linked to individual performance, so they have to think about the team first and only then about themselves. If so, the individual income stands out and they receive more offers.»
Sporting’s display in the Youth League, with a comfortable victory over Ajax (5-1), in the round of 16:
“Congratulations to everyone in the training. The work is not done, we have to improve from year to year. The team did very well, showed a very high level, the kids are getting better. We see kids like Chermiti, who are still juniors and could play another year or two in this competition, who are on a higher level. We see players like Mateus Fernandes and Fatawu, from the A team, Diogo Travassos or Gonçalo Esteves, who did the pre-season and already played for the main team, the dedication and way they play in a lower level because they know that, at any moment, they can be starters in the A team and then they have to go down and demonstrate this ability.”
Performance by Fatawu, who scored a hat-trick:
′′ He’s already shown what he can do when he doesn’t have defensive tasks. He has improved tactically and improved his shooting. I see the normal evolution of a player with a lot of talent, still very young. These are good signs in the Youth League.”
Watched the game with Roberto Martínez, coach of Portugal:
«We exchanged a word or two and ideas about Sporting players. I think he will do the same with other coaches. I gave my opinion – I always put a wedge for my players (laughs). I enjoyed talking to him, I wish him the best of luck. He will make mistakes, do good things and we are all with him to have a strong national team.”
