Sporting coach Ruben Amorim admitted this Monday that victory is important to end hopes of his rivals in the race for the national football title, but refused to let victory in Famalican decide the outcome of the championship.
“This is very important, it cannot be hidden. We more than just believe, we know that it is possible to become a champion, we know the importance of the game, but mainly for me it is the hope that we will take a little away from our rivals,” said the Lions coach in Alcochete ahead of the meeting .
Tuesday’s match is matchday 20, so Amorim admitted it was “a little more decisive than when” it should have been played in early February, but the manager refused to talk about a victory that would leave the Lions with a seven-point lead over champions Benfica, the title issue will be decided now.
“From now on, every game is crucial. If we win, then there is one less game, less hope for the opponent. Only when we have the cup in our hands, if that happens, then it will be the “test” in the title. For now, then, we have to win our games,” he said.
Sporting visit Famalican to adjust their schedule in the I League after the 20th round match, originally scheduled for February 3, was postponed on the same day due to the absence of police guaranteeing security conditions.
The game in reserve allowed Benfica to temporarily take the lead in the championship at that time, but the Lions, through the club president, determined the goal of returning to Famalican to again play the match in the front row and with the possibility of expanding the advantage.
“We wanted to show confidence in what we do. I didn’t want to use the term “addicted to this game” because we continue to depend on it, but we wanted to get ahead and increase our lead. This happened and of course it will be a very difficult game against a team that has not lost in the last three games,” concluded Amorim.
The Green-White coach reiterated several times the challenges ahead for his team, but also stressed that they are “ready to win”, despite striker Victor Dieukeres experiencing his longest drought since arriving in Alvalade – four games. without glasses.
“Viktor needs to enjoy the moment more because he has already had a fantastic season and he doesn’t need to worry about goals. When he doesn’t score, he feels a little bad, but I think that’s good.” . This reveals a lot. “Hungry”. If he enjoys the game more, if he forgets about rest, the ball will come to him, hit him and go into the target,” the coach advised.
Sporting will visit Famalicão on Tuesday in the postponed match of the 20th round of the I Football League, which is scheduled to start at 20:15 at the Municipal Stadium of Famalicão and will be officiated by Fabio Verissimo of the Leiria Association.
Ruben Amorim’s side lead the league with 74 points, four more than Benfica, and a win in the postponed match would take their lead to seven points with just five rounds left to play.
A draw guarantees Leonin second place in the championship, as well as a place in the third qualifying round of next season’s Champions League: they are 16 points ahead of Porto and Sporting Braga, and 15 points ahead of the draw. .
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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