Polga ready to learn from mistakes

Anderson Polga says that Sporting Clube de Portugal will need to cut out the mistakes that have blighted recent performances if they are to make UEFA Champions League progress this time around.

'Difficult run' 
Sporting continue their Group C campaign at the Estádio José Alvalade against FC Basel 1893 needing to get some points in the bank after their 3-1 Matchday 1 loss to FC Barcelona. The weekend derby defeat by SL Benfica means that after a flying start to the season Paulo Bento's men have now lost twice in three games, and Polga stressed the importance of nipping any bad habits in the bud. "We've been in a difficult run of matches," he said, mindful of a week containing a domestic showdown with champions FC Porto after the visit of Basel. "We have to be more aggressive if we're going to get back to winning."

Crucial mistakes
The Brazilian international admits that individual – and collective – errors had played their parts in the defeats by Benfica and Barcelona. "We played against two big teams," said Polga. "In big games moments, and mistakes, can change those games and make the difference in a tight match." Polga is confident that the collective strength of Bento's side is good enough to ensure recent problems have no lasting effect. "We have a confident, balanced team, and we're confident we can get the win," he said.

Different game
Polga, who has established himself at centre-back since his arrival at the Alvalade five years ago, regards Basel highly despite Sporting's comprehensive aggregate win over Christian Gross's side in the UEFA Cup just seven months ago. "It will be a different game," he said, recognising that the Swiss side had regained their domestic title since the last time the teams met. "There are some different players involved this time, so it's difficult to compare, but we have the tools to win the game."