Defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Carriço-c9926 has voiced his pleasure after his side secured a narrow win over Rio Ave and claimed that they will do everything in their power to end the season on a high.
The Lions’ boast some of the best players in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 in their ranks and despite their massive spending during the summer; they have faltered at several stages during the current campaign.
Domingos Paciencia was given the arduous task of turning an expensively assembly squad into a winning unit, but when things did not go the club’s way, the tactician was given the boot.
Sporting have been ruled out as contenders for the title, yet they remain intent on securing a berth in the top four, so that they have the chance to keep playing in the UEFA Europa League next season.
The Lisbon giants recently took on Rio Ave at home and emerged with a crucial three points; on a day which saw league leaders Benfica also drop points.
However the hosts were far from dominant during the ninety minutes and had to rely on a superb effort from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marat-Izmailov-c23466 in order to secure the win.
The Russian took matters into his own capable hands on the 35th minute, after picking up the ball in the centre of the pitch. But instead of trying to pick out a pass, he chose to try a speculative drive and pulled it off with an emphatic result.
After the final whistle, Sporting captain Daniel Carriço spoke to reporters and reiterated the importance of the victory.
"This win was very important to improve the morale of the squad and get a little ahead. The leaders lost as well (2 points). We know we are far from the first place but we will be in the fight, looking to get all the points that we can bring.”
He also added that the Liga Sagres title had still not yet been decided, as there was a lot of matches still to play and that his team will try to make sure that the league goes down to the wire.
"There is still a third of the league to play. We will do everything possible and we'll see what happens. But we'll be in the fight till the end to win and finish as high as we can.”
Lastly he reflected back on the Rio Ave clash and revealed that while the Sportinguistas played some great football, they were also returning to their best form.
"I think so. We had periods of very good football. We are slowly getting better, more confident and more possessive,” he said.
Sporting Lisbon now take on Vitoria Setubal away from home on the 3rd of March.
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