Maximum ambition for the first game in the League Cup
The main women’s football team Sporting Clube de Portugal is preparing to enter the League Cup. At the Aurélio Pereira stadium, the Lionesses will face Valadares Gaia FC, this sunday (3pm), in a match that will be valid for the first leg of the quarter finals.
Speaking to the sporting CP media, Micael Sequeira, coach of green and white, previewed the game, but began to emphasize the ambition that drives the group.
The League Cup, he pointed out, is of “huge importance” and Sporting CP have never won the trophy, which has been there since the 2019/2020 season. “It is indeed a very significant competition, which is highly respected in the country and the players have carried this forward.It is a competition that we really want to win, so it will not be easy for us tomorrow”, he said.
Although not able to rely on the injured Diana Silva, Maísa Correia, Brittany Raphino, Telma Encarnação, Ria Bose, Mariana Rosa and Gabriela Vinhas, Micael Sequeira guaranteed that the Lionesses “will go in with a strong ‘eleven'” and for the first time among the options will be the young Eva Carreira, a 16-year-old striker whose season is divided between the under-19 team (three games and two goals) and the B team (six games and five goals).
In this first phase ahead, a team from Vila Nova de Gaia is coming off three wins in a row and is in sixth place in the League, where the lions came top in the only game this season (0-1).
Micael Sequeira made no secret that he expected a “very difficult fight”, perhaps “the most difficult” the coach has ever had as Leonino’s coach.”It is going to be a very fair game, we want to win and, preferably, win well”, he said, but not to give hope in a way that is too confident.
“We are well aware of the balance between confidence and performance. With our feet firmly on the ground, we will approach the game very seriously to continue our victory, even in a different competition”, he predicted. Currently, Sporting CP have won seven in a row, all without conceding a goal – and scored 29.
Still on the sidelines of this preview, Micael Sequeira reacted to the draw for the Taça de Portugal, which put CS Marítimo on the green and white path in the round of 16. ”playing the tie at home is a positive factor”, d he emphasized, thinking of the Madeiras as “a very strong spouse”.
Afterwards, central defender Andrea Norheim also took the floor to look ahead to the League Cup duel.After a three-month absence, the Norwegian returned to the field in the previous game (0-10 Guia FC in the Portuguese cup) and expressed her satisfaction with her return.
“I felt very good, it was great to be back with the team. It was a long time away, a difficult period for me, but now I’m happy to be back”, he suggested, before a projection “definitely difficult” game on Sunday.
“In the last game we won 0-1 and, therefore, we have to be at our best to be able to win. We have to play our game, have the ball, impose our rhythm and stay in led”, detailed Andrea Norheim, also remembering the “excellent moment” the Lionesses are going through.
“Of course, we want to continue, score more goals and I, as a defender, want to keep a clean sheet”, he pointed out, and also placing the league Cup among Leon’s goals for 2024/ 2025: “We have never won this trophy. , that’s why this is an importent game for us.
How is the growth of women’s football impacting youth participation in sports?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Ana Sousa,Women’s Football Expert
Editor: Welcome,dr. Ana Sousa, to the Time.news interview series. We’re excited to discuss the upcoming League Cup and sporting Clube de Portugal’s women’s football team, which is creating quite a buzz!
Dr.Sousa: Thank you for having me! it’s a thrilling time for women’s football, and Sporting Clube de Portugal has lots of potential.
Editor: Absolutely! As the team prepares for their first game in the League Cup, what are your thoughts on their ambitions for this tournament?
Dr. Sousa: Sporting CP has historically been a strong competitor in women’s football. Their commitment to developing talent and strengthening team dynamics indicates they have a maximum ambition to not only perform well but to win the League Cup. This is a crucial possibility for them to showcase their growth and determination.
Editor: That’s an interesting insight! What specific factors do you think will contribute to their success or challenges in this tournament?
Dr. Sousa: Several factors come into play. First, the team’s planning and fitness level will play a significant role. They need to have a robust training regimen leading up to the matches. Secondly, the chemistry among players—both on and off the field—can greatly influence their performance. coaching strategies are vital.The ability of the coaching staff to adapt in real-time during games will be something to watch.
Editor: Speaking of coaching strategies,how significant is the role of the coaching staff in women’s football today?
Dr. Sousa: The coaching staff is crucial! They are responsible for not only devising effective game plans but also for nurturing player confidence and resilience. In women’s football, where visibility and investment are growing, mental toughness becomes equally critically important. Coaches who focus on holistic player development can help foster a strong and united team.
Editor: That’s a valuable outlook. With the growing popularity of women’s football, what do you envision for the future of teams like Sporting CP?
Dr. Sousa: We’re on the brink of exponential growth for women’s football. Teams like Sporting CP set the stage for future investments, both financially and in talent development. If they succeed in the League Cup, it could lead to increased visibility and sponsorship opportunities. This, in turn, can inspire young girls to pursue football professionally and further diversify the sport.
Editor: It sounds like the League Cup is a pivotal moment for Sporting CP! Before we wrap up, what message would you give to fans and budding players as they follow this tournament?
Dr. Sousa: I would say, stay engaged and support your teams passionately! For young players, keep honing your skills and remember that every match is a learning experience.Be inspired by these role models on the pitch; their journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the love of the game.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Sousa! This has been enlightening. We look forward to seeing how Sporting CP performs in the League Cup and witnessing the continued growth of women’s football.
Dr. Sousa: Thank you for having me! Let’s cheer them on and make noise for women’s football!