SPORTING CP: OPPOSITION VIEW

For our second pre-season game in Portugal, we face none other than the Portuguese champions, Sporting CP.  We decided to talk to the lads at TalkingSporting to see how it’s going for them.

Last season, Sporting won the Liga Portugal, was that much of a shock and can you win the league again this season?

Not a shock at all! We’re expected to win the league every season and we had the better team by miles. Some players had a bit of a dip in form but when we brought in a more experienced manager it all changed for the better.

How’s your transfer window been so far and what positions are still in need of strengthening?

It’s been okay. The Gyokeres saga has put our transfer market on hold but we’re looking for a striker, left winger and right back. We’ve been heavily linked with Luis Suarez from Almeira and also Alberto Costa from Juventus.

How do you think you’ll fare in the Champions League this season?

I think we’ll go far. We should get past the league phase and hopefully earn automatic qualification to the next round and from there, who knows.

Who’s your best player?

It’d be Gyokeres but since he’s practically gone I'd say either Hjulmand, Trincao or Pedro Goncalves. I think most fans would say Hjulmand.

What are your thoughts on manager Rui Borges?

I think he’s a really good manager, he came into Sporting in an extremely difficult situation and his first outing was a massive game vs Benfica which we won. He’s a great manager and the players seem to really like him too.

What do you think of Sunderland’s transfer window so far?

Really interesting, I’m a big fan of signings such as Adingra and Talbi. I also think signings like Reinildo are class and adds a wealth of experience.

How do you think Sunderland will fare in the Premier League?

I hope you guys will stay up and I think you can do it! Good luck.

Score prediction for the game?

1-1.