‘We played as if it was Arsenal’ says Sporting coach after 6-0 thrashing | OneFootball

Sporting CP‘s assistant coach, Tiago Teixeira, highlighted an Arsenal-inspired approach as the key factor in their commanding 6-0 win over Amarante FC in the fourth round of the Portuguese Cup on Friday.

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Teixeira, who is assisting João Pereira following Ruben Amorim‘s departure, emphasised that the team played with the seriousness and tactical precision needed to face a top opponent like Arsenal.

Sporting opened their account early in front of a roaring Estádio José Alvalade crowd and dominated throughout the match, with Teixeira crediting the side’s attacking dynamics and commitment to the tactical approach they had trained for. “It was a fantastic atmosphere, unlike what we’re used to at the academy,” said Teixeira. “The players approached this match as if it was a final, as if it were the game against Arsenal—that’s exactly what we wanted.”

With Sporting set to face Arsenal in a crucial Champions League fixture on Tuesday, Teixeira’s comments, reflecting the views of the new head coach Pereira, shed light on the team’s ambition to compete at a high level across all competitions. The win against Amarante served as both a morale boost and a rehearsal, demonstrating a polished Sporting side able to dominate possession and create opportunities against a compact defensive line.

Daniel Bragança, a key midfielder for Sporting, was deployed in a more advanced position, reflecting a tactical shift Teixeira was eager to implement. “It was a dynamic really prepared for this game,” he noted. “Sometimes we’ll set up with three plus two in midfield, other times with three plus one. Today, Bragança had that role as a number 10, and he fulfilled it fully.” This flexible approach is likely to be tested against Arsenal, who themselves possess a fluid midfield.

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Sporting’s squad management also came into focus, with João Simões and Henrique Arreiol making their debuts, promoted from the B team. Teixeira praised their contributions but stressed that consistency is required for future involvement: “They are here on great merit, but it’s not just about debuting. They need to perform on a daily basis—whether it’s with the B team or when called up to the first team.”

Notably absent from the matchday squad was Ousmane Diomande, with Teixeira confirming his precautionary omission due to a minor knock sustained during international duty. “We decided not to take any risks, just as we did with Zeno Debast and Edu Quaresma,” said Teixeira, indicating the cautious approach being taken with key players ahead of a congested fixture list that includes the Champions League clash with Arsenal.

Sporting are undergoing a period of adjustment following Ruben Amorim‘s departure to Manchester United, and Teixeira, echoing head coach João Pereira’s emphasis on emulating Arsenal’s discipline and focus is part of an attempt to maintain stability.

Teixeira also mentioned Sporting’s leading forward Viktor Gyökeres, who, despite not starting, made an impact off the bench. With Gyökeres chasing a goalscoring record for 2024, Teixeira spoke of the striker’s ambition: “He wants to play and score in every game. We have to manage his minutes, but we want him to continue playing, continue scoring—he needs the support of all the players for that. If he breaks some records, even better.”

Gyökeres has been linked heavily with Arsenal and is expected to leave Sporting in the summer.