João Simões on Bayern v Sporting: Fear before the clash? | OneFootball

João Simões was chosen by the Sporting delegation to preview the match against Bayern Munich, which will take place this Tuesday, December 9. The young midfielder for the Lions was asked about the absences in the team and whether there was any 'fear' ahead of the encounter. Check out everything the player said.

Match and experience in the Champions League

"The most important thing is that we know that in this competition every game is going to be very difficult. Whether it's Bayern or any other team. We know the challenge we will face. It's very good to play against the best in Europe, also to try to learn because I have a lot to develop and will try to help the team as much as possible, which is and always will be the most important thing."

Absences at Sporting

"With Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves there, who are very important players, but whoever is there will give an excellent response. Because we are Sporting and any player has the ability to solve or play a great game in these matches or any other game. So, I am and we are calm."

Youth development in the first team

"These products are the result of the work of the Academy staff and the athletes. Sporting, as we all know, is a club whose goal is to put as many players as possible in the first team and have them succeed in professional football. These examples are just further proof that Sporting's youth development has been working very well and that the Academy and Sporting invest a lot in youth development."

How to stop Bayern Munich

"Every team has its difficulties and its strengths. We tried to work on that and tomorrow we want to give an excellent response and get the best possible result, which is victory."

Managing university and football

"I think everyone has their opportunity in their own time. As we know and as I’ve said, Sporting is a great club, with excellent players, and I am trying to develop as much as possible to help. When I have the opportunity – and whenever I do – I will try to help the team as much as I can. Regarding the second part, it has been good and easy. I have been enjoying learning, knowing that the focus is football and university is also something good for me to learn more and be able to develop better in training. That’s the goal, which is why I am at university as well."

Fear of Bayern Munich

"Whenever Sporting steps onto the field, it’s to win. And we are not afraid of anything or anyone. We know the difficulties we will face and the team that Bayern is. But we will face them head-on and without fear. We are Sporting and we always play to win."

Generation 2007

"It’s very good to see that the teammates I grew up with are also reaching the level we all aspire to at the Academy. It’s a sign of the Academy’s work, youth football, and Sporting’s investment in youth development, which is very important and puts us on these kinds of stages. If they put me in the Champions League, the league, the Cup... wherever, I’ll just go out there to try to help the team and that’s the most important thing. I try to learn in training and from the older players, who are good players and references for me. So, whether it’s in the Champions League, the league, or the Cup, I will always go in to help for as long as I can."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.