After the announcement last week that the Portuguese coach was leaving for Manchester United, it was announced that Rúben Amorim would stay at the “Lions” until November 11, so that there were still three games left to manage: Friday’s defeat against Estrela da Amadora (5-1), today’s reception against City and next weekend’s trip to Braga.
The Portuguese champion and the English champion, in which the Portuguese Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes play, reach this stage with seven points and in third place in the group of the competition, for the first time playing under the league format.
In a press conference preview, coach Ruben Amorim, who is about to leave for Manchester United, confirmed that Gonçalo Inácio is out of the options, and, on the contrary, Eduardo Quaresma is in the squad again: “We are more prepared to play a more complete game, and this can be seen in the way we perform, but I also think that Manchester City are more complete. It is harder to understand what City will understand than it was at the time. Let’s see. Observing all these nuances is a good game. I hope the result is different. We have to wait and see how the teams are doing“.
Pep Guardiola previewed the meeting, already on Portuguese territory. The Spaniard explained that the work done at Sporting was of a high quality and that he paid attention to the players available as well as the 0-5 win in February 2022: “I never think before the game whether we will win four goals or five goals. There are several different aspects: context, moment and the injuries we have in the squad (…) The pattern is very clear, like two years ago: they enjoy possession of the ball, they use inside play and feel They a lot of action from the front players. They have the same coach. They won the Portuguese league after 20 years and did so again last season. This shows the good work done“.
Regarding the game itself he said: “The last game was not 0-5, it was 0-0. Lessons are learned. I don’t expect anything else. When a team wins a championship, they win only by adapting to each other. I hope it’s a good game, we have to win. If we achieve a good result we will get closer to the goal of being in the top eight positions.“.
This is Spórtlann’s toughest home game in the last year and a half. On the other hand, the record is even more impressive. The Citizens are unbeaten in 90 minutes in Europe for 26 games – the longest unbeaten run in European competition history.
Pep Guardiola’s team, however, are not going through the best phase. City haven’t won two in a row in over a year and the squad has been weakened by injuries. Rúben Dias, Rodri, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Oscar Bobb are out for the match in Lisbon.
In the last two meetings between these clubs in Alvalade, remember the 1-0 with the heels of Xandão and the 0-5 with the diabolical rival – accepted – Bernardo Silva.
Sporting and Manchester City don’t know how to meet without making history and, so, the die is cast. The game promises to be shared and exciting.
The meeting is scheduled for 8 pm and the German Daniel Siebert will be the moderator.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to this special interview where we delve into the recent announcements surrounding the Portuguese football scene. Today, we have with us João Silva, a well-respected football analyst and expert. João, thank you for joining us!
João Silva (JS): Thank you for having me! Excited to discuss these developments.
TNE: So, the big news is Rúben Amorim’s departure for Manchester United and the impact it’s having on his current team, Sporting Lisbon. What do you think this means for the club in the short term?
JS: It’s a significant moment for Sporting. Amorim has been instrumental in their recent success, and his decision to stay on until November 11 to manage three more games speaks volumes about his commitment to the team. However, losing a coach of his caliber can create some instability, especially when there are high-stakes matches against elite teams like Manchester City looming.
TNE: Speaking of those matches, the first one is against Manchester City, a team that’s been performing consistently well, with players like Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva. How do you see Sporting preparing for this challenge?
JS: Amorim mentioned that his squad is more prepared to play a complete game, and that’s crucial. They need to maximize their performance in this match. However, he also acknowledged that identifying Manchester City’s playstyle is increasingly challenging. City has depth and experience, so Sporting will have to be exceptionally tactful defensively and take advantage of any opportunities.
TNE: In a recent press conference, Amorim ruled out Gonçalo Inácio and brought in Eduardo Quaresma. How does this change the dynamics of the team?
JS: Injuries can disrupt plans significantly, but bringing Quaresma back into the squad indicates Amorim is looking for fresh legs and creativity. His presence could provide vital support in defensive scenarios, especially against a team known for its attacking prowess.
TNE: Pep Guardiola, City’s coach, spoke highly of Amorim’s work at Sporting. How important is this acknowledgment from a coach of Guardiola’s stature for a manager like Amorim?
JS: It’s incredibly important. Guardiola’s recognition not only validates Amorim’s tactics and achievements but also enhances his profile in the football world. This acknowledgment can serve as a confidence booster for Amorim and his players. It places them on a stage where they can demonstrate their capabilities against one of the best teams in Europe.
TNE: With the group standings tight, what do you believe Sporting needs to do to improve their position in this league format?
JS: Consistency is key. They need to perform well in each of their remaining matches, focusing on both offensive creativity and defensive solidity. Gaining points against Manchester City would be monumental. They also must look to pick up maximum points from their next game against Braga, bolstering their confidence and standings.
TNE: with the league format and pressure building, what can fans realistically expect from Sporting in these upcoming matches?
JS: Fans should expect a spirited fight from Sporting. The pressure might be intense, but this is an opportunity for players to step up and showcase their talents. Whether they achieve favorable results will depend heavily on execution on the pitch and managing the emotional aspect of the game, especially since Amorim is heading to a prestigious club like Manchester United soon.
TNE: Thank you, João, for your insights. It’s clear that the next few weeks will be pivotal for Sporting, and we’ll be watching closely.
JS: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss football, especially during such exciting times.