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Abel plays down Vukcevic controversy

Full-back says midfielder has full support of team-mates

Sporting right-back Abel insists the controversial comments made by midfielder Vukcevic last weekend do not constitute a problem for the squad.

The 22-year-old Montenegrin caused a stir on Saturday by saying he is fed up with his lack of playing time and would be looking for a new club in the winter transfer window.

Abel, while acknowledging that the matter should have been dealt with internally, says these kinds of situations are normal in football and will not affect the team.

“There’s no problem with Vukcevic. People are free to have their own opinion. He said what he thinks,” stated the combative full-back.

“Every player wants to play. If you asked another player who isn’t being selected he’d also say he wants to play. But one person makes the decisions and not everyone can be in the team.

“These kinds of situations are part of football. But the team’s in good shape, as proved by our results. While Vukcevic is here he will receive the support of all his team-mates to solve any kind of problem – it will be sorted out among us. It’s a shame this kind of thing comes out, but it’s nothing new.”

Abel also downplayed the significance of striker Derlei’s remarks, who criticised Vukcevic’s attitude. “Like I said, everyone is free to say what they think. There’s an old saying that you hear a lot in football and which I believe is true: what today is the truth tomorrow can be a lie.”

Maximum derby motivation

Looking ahead to the big match on the weekend against eternal city rivals Benfica, Abel is taking nothing for granted despite Sporting’s better form going into the encounter.

“Our motivation and concentration are at maximum level. It’s undeniable that we have a solid basis of a team while Benfica are in a process of building their side, but it’s a game where anything can happen.”