New Sporting coach Sá Pinto attempts to build on a positive start to his tenure as the Lions welcome Paços de Ferreira to the Alvalade on Sunday evening.
Pinto is held in high regard among the Sporting fans after a long playing career for the Lisbon club, in which his dogged and determined style made him a big crowd favourite.
Nevertheless, the club’s hierarchy took a huge gamble in firing Domingos, despite a string of poor results, given that the former Braga coach had been championed as an integral part of a long-term project.
The immediate effect was a positive result - if not performance - as Sporting rode their luck to come away from Legia Warsaw with a 2-2 draw in their Europa League clash on Thursday.
“The atmosphere among the players is good, healthy and full of hope. We all believe it is possible to do positive things and win games. Obviously, good results always bring a positive spirit,” said Pinto. “I want the players to continue to show a positive attitude.”
Sporting have a complete squad to choose from, with wingers Jeffren and Diego Capel having recovered from injury.
Paços de Ferreira also go into the match in a positive frame of mind. The modest northern club looked doomed to relegation just a few weeks ago, but new coach Henrique Calisto has overseen a remarkable upturn in the team’s fortunes.
Paços have won their last five games to pull clear of the relegation zone. “We will be going to the Alvalade without fear,” said Calisto.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time at the Alvalade stadium, Lisbon.
Nevertheless, the club’s hierarchy took a huge gamble in firing Domingos, despite a string of poor results, given that the former Braga coach had been championed as an integral part of a long-term project.
The immediate effect was a positive result - if not performance - as Sporting rode their luck to come away from Legia Warsaw with a 2-2 draw in their Europa League clash on Thursday.
“The atmosphere among the players is good, healthy and full of hope. We all believe it is possible to do positive things and win games. Obviously, good results always bring a positive spirit,” said Pinto. “I want the players to continue to show a positive attitude.”
Sporting have a complete squad to choose from, with wingers Jeffren and Diego Capel having recovered from injury.
Paços de Ferreira also go into the match in a positive frame of mind. The modest northern club looked doomed to relegation just a few weeks ago, but new coach Henrique Calisto has overseen a remarkable upturn in the team’s fortunes.
Paços have won their last five games to pull clear of the relegation zone. “We will be going to the Alvalade without fear,” said Calisto.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time at the Alvalade stadium, Lisbon.
