BREAKING NEWS:‼️ “All my defenders are terrified of him after what he did to Bilbao. I’ve tried everything to get rid of that fear, but it’s not working. Right now, I can only hope he gets injured before Sunday,” Ruben Amorim admits, naming the ONE Arsenal player his team dreads facing this weekend.

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has made a startling admission that has sent shockwaves through the football world. Just days before their crucial Sunday clash, he revealed that his defenders are gripped by fear, and the cause is none other than a single Arsenal player who recently dismantled Athletic Bilbao in spectacular fashion.

 

Speaking with an unusual note of unease for a top-tier coach, Amorim confessed that his normally reliable defence has been showing hesitation and anxiety after watching the Arsenal forward’s devastating display last weekend. His words have sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike.

 

“All my defenders are afraid of him now after what he did against Bilbao. I’ve done everything to shake it off — extra training, mental drills, private talks — but nothing is working. At this point, I can only hope he gets injured before Sunday,” Amorim admitted, in a brutally candid remark that has stunned many.

 

The man at the centre of this storm is Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s explosive Brazilian winger. Known for his blistering pace, razor-sharp dribbles, and deadly finishing, Martinelli shredded Bilbao’s backline, humiliating experienced defenders and netting two remarkable goals that quickly went viral.

 

In Portugal, reports claim that Sporting’s defenders have been obsessively watching clips of Martinelli’s performance against Bilbao. Instead of motivating them, the footage has only deepened their dread. One player, speaking anonymously, said: “It’s like chasing a ghost. Step forward and he’s gone; hang back and he shoots. There’s no way to stop him when he’s in that kind of mood.”

 

With the match just around the corner, the looming question is whether Martinelli will replicate his recent destruction or if Sporting can muster the bravery to neutralise his threat. The pressure has already shifted from the pitch to the mind.

 

The psychological battle has begun before a ball is even kicked. Amorim’s desperation and Arsenal fans’ growing excitement have made this a clash charged with emotion and anticipation.

 

Whether Martinelli crushes Sporting’s hopes or Sporting transforms their fear into determination will be decided on Sunday, but one thing is clear — the Brazilian has already tilted the mental game in Arsenal’s favour.