SPORTING : Domingos: ?Get a good result?

The Sporting coach was in the Academy's press room this Tuesday evening to talk with the media about tomorrow's Portuguese Cup semi-final clash.

Although the Lions currently have the luxury of still being in action in four competitions, Domingos Paciência made it clear that his side see Nacional as just another hurdle on the way to the Cup final. "This game could put us closer to the final", noted the coach, adding that he will put out a team capable of getting a result tomorrow: "Decisions like that are always taken with the objective of winning."

The Alvalade boss was also questioned about how he now sees Sporting's league campaign, having drawn over the weekend against FC Porto: "While we are still involved in the league, we will continue to believe in ourselves. During the first half of the season we have been seven points behind, but we have also been just one. A lot of things can happen in the next 15 games so let's wait and see."

As for Wednesday night's opposition, Domingos noted that he is expecting a stern test: "Nacional is a tough opponent, but obviously we will do everything we can to get a good result. This is a two legged fixture, so we have to get a decent result at home so that we can go into the second game with that little bit of confidence. The players are feeling upbeat and they know that reaching the final of this competition depends a lot on this game. We have to be stronger than we were against Nacional in the league."

Domingos may be without Izmailov after the Russian picked up a thigh injury, but the return of Jeffrén after a long spell on the sidelines and the availability of new signing Sebastián Ribas could swell the Sporting team sheet tomorrow: "Marat is coming back from a tough period and he was doing well. He told me that he felt something go in his thigh when he jumped for his first ball and that it started to hurt more as time went on. It isn't a bad injury and he will be back with us soon. We have a tricky few games coming up, so we need as many players as possible available. Jeffrén is better and he, along with Seba, is an option that I have."

With recent media speculation linking André Santos with a possible exit from Alvalade, Domingos guaranteed that the player would be the first to know of any developments: "I am direct, coherent and honest with all of the players in my squad and if something needs to be said I will say it. I have already told him what I think. I talk to my players face to face, with no exceptions."

Text: Andreia Alexandre
Photos: César Santos