The Rio Ave coach anticipates a highly demanding game against the national champions and may implement several tactical changes.
Sotiris Silaidopoulos provided a preview of Rio Ave`s upcoming match against Sporting CP at Alvalade, corresponding to the 16th round of the Primeira Liga. The coach believes the fixture will be one of maximum demand, requiring his team to perform at their highest possible level. Due to the absence of forward Clayton, the Greek coach confirmed he might make tactical adjustments to the team`s system.
“It`s a huge challenge. It`s a very demanding game; we are facing Sporting while they are in great form. There is a lot of internal motivation for each of us. We want to show our best version to get something out of this game. I expect a very difficult challenge. In these games, there are no secrets, that`s what I usually tell the players.”
Silaidopoulos stressed the importance of perfect execution of fundamentals. “We have to execute the basic principles very well. We know we have to defend very well and for long periods of the game. We have to be very compact, maintain balance and distance between lines and between players, because Sporting has a lot of individual quality. And, of course, we have to be brave.”
Regarding the replacement for Clayton, Silaidopoulos admitted the decision is still pending. “I have some ideas, but we still have one more training session, and then we will decide who will replace Clayton. It`s not an easy answer, but we have some solutions and some thoughts, and I am sure whoever comes in will give their best to help the team.”
The coach acknowledged the challenge posed by the league leaders. “I agree that Sporting is in a very good moment. They are a team with a lot of dynamism in their game. They have a lot of rotation, a lot of fluidity; they adapt very well, they understand time and space very well, as a team and individually. That`s why I think we are facing Sporting at a good moment for them. But we have also shown that we are a very difficult team to face, and that`s what we want to demonstrate again tomorrow.”
When asked about Sporting`s fragilities, Silaidopoulos returned to the theme of core execution. “As I said, there are no secrets in these games. Teams like ours have to execute the basic principles very well. With the ball, we need to be brave and exploit the fragilities that Sporting may have.”
He emphasized the need for collective strength during tough moments: “There will be periods when we will have to suffer and defend. We have to stick together and show team spirit and sacrifice, as we have done in other games. That`s how we achieve something.”
Silaidopoulos also addressed the interest surrounding young standout André Luiz. “First of all, we are very happy and proud of André Luiz`s development this year. He is having an incredible season. In my opinion, he has all the ingredients to play in a top league, and he still has a lot of room to grow.”
The coach expressed a personal desire for the player to stay put for now. “In my mind, given how he is progressing here, I would like him to finish the season with us, play all these games, and improve even more in the aspects he needs so that he can then take the next step more prepared and more mature, ready to face the difficulties of a big club and a stronger league. He remains a fantastic boy, very focused on what he does and on the team. And his last performances show that he is fully committed to the club and our team.”
Mark Thompson
