Amorim explains options: «We can’t always take risks»

Ricardo Esgaio and Maxi Araújo start against Sturm Graz

Ricardo Esgaio and Maxi Araújo are the big new additions to Sporting ‘s starting eleven for the visit to Sturm Graz , in the third round of the Champions League . Before the match, in statements to the club’s television channel, Rúben Amorim explained the changes to the Sporting starting eleven, and in particular the focus on the Portuguese full-back.

«We had limitations in defence. We could have put Taibo in, as the others are limited in time, and we can’t play with that, we have to recover completely from our injuries and not always take risks, otherwise we’ll never get out of this. Esgaio is often used in a line of four instead of three central defenders. We adapted the game to the characteristics of the players we have, and the others are normal changes, according to the characteristics of the match», explained Amorim on the pitch, warning of the threat of Horvath, in the home team, when it comes to set pieces.

When asked about the atmosphere among the players, the Sporting coach replied that the squad is “more mature”. “We really want to win the Champions League , we really want to play well in the Champions League , it will be another opportunity for that. We really want to bring joy to our fans. This support is no surprise. If we heard the fans at the Emirates, we will certainly hear it today”, he concluded.