The coach approaches Tuesday’s clash against PSV with caution but does not shy away from ambition when discussing the team’s growth.
“It is clear we are on a different level. It used to be said that we wouldn’t even make it to Christmas, that we weren’t in the title race. I believe we have already proven we are competitive,” said Rúben Amorim during the pre-match conference for the game against PSV in Eindhoven.
As the Champions League returns, the Sporting manager lifts expectations and reveals his ambitions.
“Now there are expectations for us to take the next step in Europe. We also need to understand that there are teams playing at a similar level to ours, and we are up against clubs that have different standings. We strive to show we can be more competitive. We need to improve on what we did against Lille and enhance our build-up. I feel the fans expect that, and we will do our best to meet their demands,” he added.
The opponent, like Sporting, boasts an unbeaten run in their domestic league. They sit alone at the top of the Eredivisie, with seven wins from seven games.
“PSV is a dominant club that scores a lot of goals. We will see two attacking teams facing off, with different styles but similar results. Both clubs lost in the Super Cup. The difference in the Champions League isn’t that significant; they had an away game against a club with history. Two teams dominating, but there is still much to be done. It will be a good game, and there will be goals,” Amorim foresees.
He downplayed the fact that PSV had one less day of rest than Sporting since their last match.
The Sporting manager did not give any hints about the lineup for Tuesday’s game, except for the goalkeeper position, which will likely be filled by Franco Israel.
“He is a more confident player now; he has greatly improved his kicking power. After proving he is ready and has delivered, he is a more mature and prepared young man, an excellent goalkeeper who is ready for this match.”
Matheus Reis is the latest addition to Sporting’s injury list. “He is going to be out for some time. After the international break, we will see and evaluate,” Rúben Amorim clarified. The defender, who performed admirably against Estoril, joins Pedro Gonçalves and Edwards on the sidelines.
4th Official Withdrawn
Fabio Maresca was supposed to be the fourth official for Tuesday’s match but has been withdrawn following an alleged threat made to a player from Al-Arabi during a game in the Kuwait League he officiated last Friday.
Daniel Bragança Wants Team to Score Goals
“It’s easier to have good numbers when the team plays well and gets into the opponent’s area more frequently, as we win, score lots of goals, and have a strong attacking flow. But the important thing is to maintain that flow and keep scoring. If the team is doing well, the players will shine,” said Daniel Bragança, a midfielder for Sporting, who has two goals and three assists in nine matches this season.
St. Juste Travels But Won’t Play
“St. Juste isn’t fit for this game. He came along because he’s training with the team and finalizing his recovery process. We will have a training session the morning after the game; we want St. Juste to train and feel connected with his teammates. He still has some time before he’s fully fit,” said Amorim, maintaining faith in the defender.
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