The coach analyses the league win over FC Alverca

Following the victory against FC Alverca, Rui Borges talked about both the positive result and the upcoming away game against Juventus.

Iván Fresneda's injury
"Iván suffered a sprain. We will see the severity of the injury in the coming days."

Analysis of the game
"We created scoring opportunities, but today we lacked some inspiration in our finishing. We had 26 or 27 shots throughout the game, which shows our ability to get into the final third, but Pedro Gonçalves was the player who was the most inspired and ended up making it 2-0 with a great shot. We were quite competent and managed to neutralise FC Alverca, who didn't cause us any problems. Ousmane Diomande and Gonçalo Inácio were very switched on, without any lapses in concentration.
In the second half we wanted to start well. We didn't score in the first ten minutes as we wanted, but with the substitutions we tried to put more men into the area, especially since FC Alverca defended with a line of five -sometimes six. The team didn't give up, we brought Pote back deeper, despite Simões' excellent work, and we were rewarded."

Pedro Gonçalves returning to his best
"A few days ago they were saying that Pote wasn't at his best. He has better stats in fewer games than last year. For me, he's in his best form, I already said that last week. Sometimes he misses a pass or whatever, but that's part of the game. I'd say the same about [Francisco] Trincão: I think he's in the best stage of his career. It doesn't surprise me. The biggest challenge for both of them – who have already won everything and have been here for many years – is not to fall into monotony or complacency, but neither of them settles for anything. They are players who always want themselves and the team to be at their best."

The absence of Ricardo Mangas
"[Ricardo] Mangas had a great game on Tuesday, but unfortunately I can only bring twenty players into the squad. It was a tactical decision."

The team's performance
"The changes were made to try and shake things up. Geny [Catamo] was having some difficulties in one-on-one situations, but he performed well in the first half. The idea was to bring on players with different characteristics. [Geovany] Quenda was able to give us more balls into the box. These are strategies we thought could work, and so we tried to change them. It was strategic, not due to a lack of performance.
Here and there we could have had more energy; we let the game settle into a tepid spell, but even so, we created chances and didn't let the opponents break through. Even for me, as a coach, it's difficult to face the same opponents three days after a first game against them. We tried our best to work on that aspect, because we knew that Alverca would want to leave a different impression this time. They were committed, and it was difficult. I'm happy as long as there is attitude, and the players had it. I am very confident after seeing the team's ability throughout the game and the very large offensive flow we created."

Finishing
"Over time, we've been trying to improve and enhance individual characteristics in the creative process, so as not to be predictable and to create difficulties for the opposition. If we finished every chance we created, we'd always win 8-0. It's a matter of moments: We might be more or less inspired and score more or fewer goals. In Tuesday's game, we finished better, but perhaps we had fewer opportunities. I would be worried if we weren't able to create chances, but we've been doing that in every game. We've been consistent, and that makes us happy.
Now we need to gain better defensive skills, and be more prepared to stop transitions. We've been improving in that respect too. We're working harder and harder to be more consistent."

Fotis Ioannidis and Luis Suárez
"I like them both. They are both in very good form. They always deliver, playing separately or together. We are much stronger in that sense and it's a big headache for me, I have no doubt about that. I'm happy because they are two very competitive players, who don't give an inch, and I'm happy to have both of them in my team. I want them to keep delivering and scoring goals, as that's what we and the fans expect.
Fotis gives us more attacking depth, Luis provides support and aggression. They are two great strikers that we have, who will make their mark at Sporting CP."

Effort Management
"Honestly, this is the part that worries me the least. Regardless of what we are capable of doing in Turin, these are games where the players will be highly motivated and engaged. It's about recovering well and then, within the context of the game, making the best decisions for the starting eleven and during the match.
What makes it most difficult for us is the Juventus FC game; a new coach has arrived for them, with different ideas, and we will only have one match to analyse Luciano Spaletti's style. This makes things very difficult for us strategically. When there's a change of coach, there's also a change in mindset. They're playing at home, they're a great team, but my players will all be fine, I'm sure."

The team win 2-0 in a dominant display against FC Alverca

Facing FC Alverca for the second time in a week, Sporting Clube de Portugal won 2-0 at home on Matchday 10 of the Liga Portugal season. Second half goals from Fotis Ioannidis and Pedro Gonçalves earned the victory at the Estádio José Alvalade on a rainy night.

Before kickoff Geny Catamo was honoured for reaching 100 games for Sporting CP, with club president Frederico Varandas presenting the Mozambican with a commemorative shirt and trophy.

Sporting CP had won 5-1 against the visitors in the Taça da Liga just three days prior, but it was the opponents who provided an early chance in this league encounter. Rui Silva caught Nabil Touaizi's cross-shot, in what was the only opportunity for FC Alverca in the first half.

At the other end, Luis Suárez also came close to scoring, finding himself free in the area after two minutes following an excellent run by Gonçalves, André Gomes, but didn't connect well with the ball. Five minutes later, Francisco Trincão attempted an acrobatic shot from João Simões’ sprint down the left, but saw his shot deflected by a defender.

After fifteen minutes, an injury to Iván Fresneda meant he would be replaced by Georgios Vagiannidis.

A minute later, Simões appeared in the middle of the area to head the ball from Geny Catamo's cross, albeit unable to keep his effort on target. In the next move, it was the number 10 himself who tried for a goal; the winger's shot from the right side of the area hit the post with a resounding thud and went out of play.

Sporting CP were completely dominating possession and creating good opportunities to score. On 25 minutes, the FC Alverca goalkeeper parried a shot from Suárez out for a corner, as the onslaught continued.

Almost half an hour into the game, Suárez had the best chance of the entire first half. The Colombian was quick to recover a loose ball in the area and shot towards goal, but defender Bastien Meupiyou managed to block the ball twice on the goalline with his head.

Gonçalves, Ousmane Diomande and Simões also had good chances to break the deadlock, but none of the three managed to capitalise on the consecutive moves created by Sporting CP.

During the break, an intense downpour at the Estádio José Alvalade made it a wet second half. But the rain didn't dampen Sporting CP's momentum, and they won a corner after just twenty seconds.

Accumulating a series of such set pieces at the start of the second half, they finally put the ball into the net in the 49th minute, but Suárez's goal was disallowed for offside.

Just before the hour, Rui Borges brought on Fotis Ioannidis and Geovany Quenda to switch things up for his side. It proved to be a wise choice, as the former would take only eight minutes to score: Following another corner, the striker jumped above the defence to open the scoring. It was the Greek's second goal against FC Alverca in three days.

The second goal for Sporting CP was not long in coming. In the 74th minute, Gonçalves received a precise pass from Morten Hjulmand and, from distance, unleashed a powerful shot to score a fantastic goal.

Alisson Santos was brought on for Sporting CP, and just before the final whistle it was his turn to try his luck on two occasions: the Brazilian's shot, from a cut inside, grazed André Gomes' post. Then the virtuoso again aimed for goal, this time after a run down the left from midfield, but missed by centimetres.

A 2-0 scoreline was enough to earn all three points, and now the team switch focus to their next fixture. On Tuesday night they travel to Turin, where they face Juventus FC in the Champions League.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Pedro Gonçalves (Hidemasa Morita, 78’), Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 59’), Francisco Trincão, Maxi Araújo, Iván Fresneda (Georgios Vagiannidis, 15’), Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande, Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Fotis Ioannidis, 59’) and Luis Suárez (Alisson Santos, 78’). 

The coach looks ahead to the Liga Portugal game

Sporting Clube de Portugal will face SC Braga this Sunday (7:15 pm local time) on Liga Portugal Matchday 8. The day before the game, coach Rui Borges previewed the match in a press conference.

What he expects from the opposition
"I expect a strong SC Braga. Regardless of their less positive results in the league [five matches without a win], they're always a great side. Despite everything, they haven't lost away from home yet, and that's where they score the most and concede the least. They're a team that want to dominate -I think they have the most possession in Liga Portugal- they get a lot of crosses and rely heavily on their wide men. They're a different team from last season and are buoyed by their result in European competition, when they won 0-2 against Celtic FC. In terms of us, we will also be a highly motivated team, in front of a packed crowd, who will do everything to win the match and continue our progress in the league."

Possible changes
"All players are available, and everyone has to be prepared to play. Whoever comes in will give a good response, and the coaching staff have the same confidence in everyone."

Focus on their game, despite the game between FC Porto and SL Benfica
"I want to win. I'm only worried about our game, which is against a great team who will pose a lot of difficulties for us. We're at the beginning of the season, so the other game won't decide anything."

The supporters
"Criticism is part of the game; it doesn't worry me. I know, above all, the affection I've always received from the vast majority of Sporting CP fans. On the street, it's been fantastic, and in the stadium, it's been absolutely incredible. What matters is that Sporting CP win. I believe that, little by little, more people will believe in our work. What drives me is to do my best for Sporting CP."

The 1-1 draw with SC Braga last season
"It was a game in which we were the better side in every way, and in a period when the game was completely under control, one incident completely ruined the result for us. It was from a cross, and this season, SC Braga are the team that create the most crosses, and [Leonardo] Lelo is the player who creates the most chances in the league. We have to be alert and prepared for the dynamics of this season’s SC Braga, which is completely different from last season."

The importance of defending crosses well
"I don't think it's our Achilles' heel. I even think that, in terms of our athleticism, and considering we are without Diomande, we've been very competent. We're a pressing team who go in for individual duels. SSC Napoli put in lots of crosses, and from the only one we couldn't stop, we ended up conceding the second goal. We have to find ways to neutralise that with small details and behaviour. It's a strength of SC Braga."

Defeats in the three toughest matches of the season (SL Benfica, FC Porto, and SSC Napoli)
"If I lose the 'big' league games but win all the others, we’ll win the title. They were very close games, and they ended up going the opponents’ way. We look at the past, but that means nothing to me. We didn't want to lose, but we're focused on things game by game."

The packed schedule
"The coaches are tired of complaining... The overload on the players is really getting worse. Looking at this specific match in the Taça da Liga that has been announced, it's also impossible to schedule it at another time. It's difficult to do. We have to hope the entire squad is available at that time."

The coach looks ahead to the game against CD Nacional

Ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal’s trip to Madeira, where they will face CD Nacional on Saturday, coach Rui Borges talked to the media in a press conference.

CD Nacional
“On the last matchday, their opponents snatched a draw when playing with ten men, which ends up being motivating for their growth and belief. They are in a phase of adaptation, seeking to gain more and more consistency in their play. Five or six players from last season's starting lineup have left, and they are looking for a better dynamic.

Despite everything, they are quite a tough side at home. I've been there and I know firsthand what it's like to play at Choupana. It will always be difficult: Due to the weather, which we don't know what it will be like, the humidity, the heat... We have to be prepared for whatever we can control.

Last year, CD Nacional were the team with the sixth or seventh most shots on goal. They are very direct and will be highly motivated to face the reigning champions. For that reason alone, any team will be motivated -but we will be prepared too."

Rumours about Conrad Harder
"Sporting CP are a big club, with very capable departments, always prepared for the demands of daily life, and prepared for any departure. That means any departure. We had a wonderful season last year, and it's natural that clubs will come looking for our players at any time.

But, as I’ve said before, there are buyout clauses. If someone comes along, meets the clause, and the player wants to leave, we can't do anything other than be proactive in anticipating these situations.

We're prepared for any departure. My job, more than focusing on the transfer market, is to prepare the players for the game. I work at a big club, and if I were to focus on the transfer market, I wouldn't be coaching.

Harder is in the squad for tomorrow's game. Everyone wants to be a starter; it's natural. He's been working very well, working to play more and more, so we'll just have to wait and see what the coach decides."

Rumours about Morten Hjulmand
"It's natural that people talk about him too, but he's focused on Sporting CP. He's grown a lot, he's very important to our dynamic, he's our captain and leader, he's been named in the squad for tomorrow and will certainly have another good game.

In training, no player seems affected [by the rumours]. The response from all the players has been as expected: they show they're committed to training, the game, and the club. They're happy, as I've always felt, and they're a true family."

Injured players
"We're rushing to find out when and if we can have Ousmane Diomande and Maxi Araújo back. We want to have them available for the next few matches, but I can't say exactly when they'll be back."

Offensive set pieces
"There are several players who, technically speaking, have the ability to take set pieces, whatever they may be.

Pedro Gonçalves, [Francisco] Trincão, Zeno [Debast]... It depends on the shot, the moment, the inspiration of each player -which counts for a lot-, and the space on the pitch. But our players are great and capable of responding in any situation, whether from a set piece or not."

Opportunities for Rayan Lucas
"Rayan is a B team player. We see a lot of potential in him and believe he's a mature player who is capable, despite his young age, of helping the kids here. He's a national team player who should be playing for Brazil at the U-20 World Cup. He's a kid who likes to listen and learn and works very hard, but he's adapting to the demands of European football and Sporting CP.

He trains with us most of the time and has responded well. Despite his young age, he has a different level of maturity, is very humble, and I believe he could be important in the first team in the future, but he came here to help the B team. The idea is to help him become a first team player as well."

Integration of new signings and Vagiannidis' situation
"Everyone has responded to the need for a starting role. [Giorgios] Vagiannidis is growing, and he looks happy with his new situation. He stepped out of his comfort zone and has adapted very well, despite some shyness that's still noticeable -even on the pitch. He's trying to fully integrate into the dynamic and gain knowledge of his teammates, but he's prepared for any decision the manager makes. Everyone will start: Some today, others tomorrow.

He came on at halftime because Iván [Fresneda] was already on a yellow card, but both have responded very well, and they're two players who are prepared to be starters at any moment.”

The Sporting CP coach talks before the game against FC Arouca

The opening match at the renovated Estádio José Alvalade takes place for Sporting CP against FC Arouca this Sunday at 8:30 pm. Before the match, coach Rui Borges spoke about the Matchday 2 encounter in a press conference.

FC Arouca
"They are a team that have caused us problems at home in recent years due to their competitiveness, and their coach maintains a very positive approach to the game. They like to have the ball and be the protagonists, regardless of who they play against. They'll want to share possession and show their potential, especially since they're buoyed by a good win at home on Matchday 1. It's up to us to continue our growth and quality of play, gaining consistency physically, tactically, and technically. It will be a difficult game at the start of the season, but I believe it will be a very good one."

Sporting CP’s forward line
"Conrad [Harder] and [Luis] Suárez have already played. They both need to be ready to start. It's up to me to decide who plays based on the strategy, the opposition, and what each player can contribute to the team at any given moment. I talk to both of them about small details for their development. It's a natural process. Going forward, we'll get into a rhythm of playing games every three days, and my conversations with all the players are always focused on helping them, because we'll need everyone."

Team changes
“The principles are the same. The team know what the gameplan is. So, in their own way, each player can offer us different things. I'm happy to have so many solutions.”

The transfer market
“I'm focused on my team. It's natural for people to talk about our players. Big teams look for great players. It's up to me to keep them calm, and they know in advance what the plan is regarding possible departures. They have buyout clauses, and whoever wants to sign one of our players has to come to us with that in mind. I only care that they give us a fantastic response; they are increasingly connected, and that's what's important. In the two official games we’ve played, the team gave a clear demonstration of our day-to-day work. They are ambitious and eager to win. Everyone is laser-focused on making their contribution. I'm very pragmatic and focus on what I can control.”

Possibly using Geovany Quenda
"[Geovany] Quenda and Geny [Catamo] are very similar in terms of what they offer me individually. Geny is a little more mature, but Quenda has been training really well, waiting for an opportunity. It hurts me to always leave someone out, because the team have been responding very well, but it's part of the process and they understand. In a few days, as I said, we'll happily be playing every three days -it's a sign that we're in all the competitions we want to play in-, which gives everyone the opportunity to demonstrate what they're capable of and help the team."

Differences between Casa Pia AC and FC Arouca
"I don't see it as a more difficult match. We were the ones who made the game easier against Casa Pia AC, as we didn't let them be the team they usually are. We were the ones who neutralised the opponent's qualities. Tomorrow we will be up against a different opponent. They were the seventh best in terms of possession last season, and all of Vasco Seabra's teams play very well. It will be an even contest. I believe, above all, that our team will be capable of bringing the same energy and, in this way, we will neutralise the opponents at every point in the game."

The new turf at the stadium
“The pitch has looked good to us. I'm happy with the changes they've made; the stadium is increasingly incredible and demonstrates the club's growth in every area, not only in terms of the sporting project but also structurally. It will be great to return to Alvalade, playing in front of our fans, who I believe are as eager to return as we are. They will certainly create a special atmosphere, as always. I know they will be out in force to support us in a stadium that truly represents the greatness of the club.”

The full acquisition of Francisco Trincão
“He has always given me a response that is at 200%. He's an extraordinary player, and I've said that several times. He was one of the players who surprised me most positively when I came here. I believe this full acquisition by Sporting CP was important for him, although he feels every day what he represents for the club, his teammates, and the coaches. It will help him feel even more of this desire to have him with us. He is motivated and focused, just like the whole group.”

Sporting CP kick off the league season with a visit to Casa Pia AC on Friday (8:15 p.m.)

The start of the 2025/26 league season has arrived, with the match between Sporting CP and Casa Pia AC at the Estádio Municipal Rio Maior kicking off proceedings. On the eve of the opening match, coach Rui Borges spoke in a press conference on Thursday to preview the encounter.

The atmosphere ahead of Matchday 1
"The team are doing well; this was a week of good work and hard training. There was a very good commitment and response after we failed to win the Supertaça. We have good energy and a good feeling ahead of the game."

The recent signings of Georgios Vagiannidis and Ricardo Mangas
"They are two solutions for the fullback positions. Both were players we had already identified -the coaching staff and the club. They add value to the squad, enabling us to compete in the competitions we're taking part in. We want to have more and more solutions."

Analysis of Casa Pia AC
"This Casa Pia AC side have maintained a very strong backbone to the team and have well-defined principles. They only lost five home games last season and took points from SL Benfica and SC Braga, for example. They're coming off their best season ever, so they're a highly motivated team. They're also quite well balanced, because whilst they don't score many goals, they also don't concede many. They're competitive and well-organised, which reflects their coach. They're playing at home against the league champions at the start of the season, and they're motivated, so we have to be aware that it's going to be a tough game. We can't go into the game thinking that, because we're champions, sooner or later we'll score and come away with the three points."

The chance of reinforcements getting a start
"Luís Suárez has worked hard to play, as has Harder. They dedicated themselves to training and to the strategic demands of the club. They are two good solutions, with different characteristics, and depending on what we think is best, we'll see who plays. Suárez came into the SL Benfica game having not played any training matches. He came in very well and has performed very well, as did Giorgi [Kochorashvili]. He came off a very demanding season and we had to be careful with him due to the long and difficult season he had at UD Levante. Both have performed very well on a daily basis, and now they just have to wait for the coach to give them opportunities. Mangas has already played official games in Russia, and Vagiannidis has played in European competitions."

Renewed ambition for 2025/2026
"I don't think there's any risk of complacency. All the coaches in the league want players with that hunger. Regarding the second title and the double: We deserved it, but the players must be aware that it's in the past. Although we didn't emerge victorious from the Supertaça, I think we demonstrated what we want for this season. They showed their desire to win, their enormous ambition, so I'm calm. I believe in the group's ability and, above all, in the response they've given."

The importance of starting the season with a win
"It's extremely important to instill confidence in the group and start things positively. We are all aware of that, but also that we'll face a team motivated by the fact they are playing against Sporting CP, at home, and what they were able to do last season. We're well aware that it will be increasingly difficult to win, given everything this group was able to overcome, but we have to find ways to ensure that hunger we talked about remains constant. What matters now is the present, and now we're on a level playing field with everyone else. We have to do a lot to win, maybe double what we did last season.”

The options in central defence
“Solutions exist, and we have to respond. It's going to be a long season, with many different games and competitions, fortunately, and we have to be prepared and come up with increasingly better solutions. It's with this in mind that we've been bringing in players, and we have a squad with five centre backs and Matheus Reis, who's also been playing at fullback. There are players who offer a variety of solutions, and Edu [Quaresma] is one of them. Last year, at times, he was a centre back with the ball and a fullback without it. He's a kid with a lot of potential and offers us different solutions than what we have on the wings and also at center back. Above all, I'm happy with the squad and the solutions we have."

Confidence in Geovany Quenda
"He's been responding fantastically, and in this early stage of the season, he's doing very well -unlike at the end of last season, when he dropped off a bit. Now he's doing very well and is also waiting for an opportunity. In the last game, he came in at left back because Maxi [Araújo] had to come off. We didn't have clear options there, we were losing, and we tried to take a risk with Quenda. I believe he'll have a great season at Sporting CP."

New ideas
"Criticism is part of the game. It's very subjective to talk about the formation, because if you look at the game, some things change and others don't. The formation is just a start; after that, it's a matter of giving the team mobility. The intention here is to improve. We lost a standout player from these last two years [Viktor Gyökeres], and we have to reinvent ourselves with each passing year. We want to add something different, to get better, but without giving up on who we were before."

Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança's recovery
"They are progressing within their allotted timeframes and the severity of their injuries. It's a difficult battle, but they are natural fighters and show enormous joy every day. It makes me very happy to see their ambition and desire to return as soon as possible."

Sporting CP host Gil Vicente FC on Sunday (8:30pm)

Back at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting Clube de Portugal face Gil Vicente FC this Sunday in the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season.

On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to look at the vital game for the team's title challenge.

Focusing exclusively on Gil Vicente FC
“We always look only at the next game. There’s no point in looking to the future or the past. We’re focusing on Gil Vicente FC, a team who have won their last two games without conceding a goal, are motivated and have almost guaranteed their place in the top flight for next season. They’re coming into the game calm, scoring more goals away from home and haven’t lost in their last three road games. We have to be alert, serious and focused, which is what we’ve been doing in the last few games. We’ve grown at every level and now we want to keep that up -and always demand a little more.”

Morten Hjulmand being one yellow card away from a suspension
“Morten and Matheus [Reis] have been talked about a lot during this week, because they will be ‘in the running’ for the derby and are called up for this game. That’s all I can say. They are in the squad and available. I’m not going to say which team I will field, because I’ve never said that. It’s a decision that’s up to us, as a coaching staff. We’re going to try to compete and win the game, regardless of who plays. We’re talking about Sporting CP players, who are aware of what they can and cannot do and who they are.”

A draw guaranteeing Gil Vicente FC's survival
“Above all, I believe that Gil Vicente FC will come here to play the game calmly. Their coach [César Peixoto] has said several times that he likes attractive football, so they are a team who like to play and have the ball. They are certain to stay up. They need a point to achieve that mathematically, but they have practically achieved it already. I think they are a team that come into this one without that pressure and we have to look at what Gil Vicente FC have been like before. Defensively they have been more cohesive and we have to find a way to overcome that barrier, regardless of whether it is a medium, low or high block.

Not yet looking to the derby
“In the coach’s mind, there’s only Gil Vicente FC, and in the players’ minds I believe that is the case as weel. That’s the response they’ve given. It’s all up to us, and the most important game is the one against Gil Vicente FC. If we’re focused on the future, it’s going to cost us dearly. At the moment, every game is decisive.”

Possible options for the game
“I will think about tomorrow’s game and, above all, about the confidence I have in the group. There are players who are returning, like Morita and ‘Pote’, who are important and are only getting better at the moment. They are players I trust and who we also need. Of course, we look at everything and it is important to look at all the factors that exist in a game. There is internal communication and we will make the best decision for tomorrow’s game. I'm completely calm, because we will play with 11 players. Back in the first game we played in Barcelos, we had Zeno [Debast] and [Alexandre] Brito in midfield and we won.

The importance of goal difference in a possible title tiebreaker
“It could be decisive, but in my mind it’s about winning, because that way we won’t need the goal difference. It would only depend on us.”

The “good energy” at the club
“The team are focused, are thinking about Gil Vicente FC, are motivated and have great energy. This is felt in the game, along with the energy that our fans have given us. I never tire of saying that they have been fantastic. Tomorrow, Alvalade will be sold out and I hope that the support will be the same as it has been up to now.”

The team host Moreirense FC this Friday at Estádio José Alvalade

Sporting Coach Rui Borges previewed his side's Friday night fixture against Moreirense FC in a pre-match press conference, and called upon the fans to continue their support in the final stretch of the season.

The impact of the supporters
"It's very important and I made a point of emphasising this at the end of the game against CD Santa Clara. The massive support from the fans has been the same since we arrived. They make us believe and we want them to believe as much as we do. We really believe in ourselves and the players convey this on the pitch, regardless of the difficulty of each game. We have immense belief, a huge ambition to be champions, and I ask the fans to come out and create a fantastic 'wave of green' in these five remaining games."

The return of Hidemasa Morita
"Morita is out of the game against Moreirense FC, but he will still be important in the final stretch. He is important on the pitch and is making his contribution, despite all the problems he has had. We need him and he will be back very soon. He wants to recover as quickly as possible and is very motivated to be able to help in the upcoming games. He is very important for the team and a player I admire a lot."

A possible starting role for Pedro Gonçalves
"I wish I could have Pedro Gonçalves 100% fit, but he was out for five months. Everything is sore for him except the pain from the injury, because he is in 'preseason,' let's say. We have to be careful and his return requires individual fitness work on his part. He is still far away from being a starter, but I believe we will be racing against time and that he will still be very important in this final stretch of the season. He's tired but he's given his all, he's focused and wants to help, he believes that the team will be happy in the end and he wants to contribute to that. He is available to help at any time. That makes me happy."

Controversy regarding refereeing and the game against Moreirense FC
"The Sporting CP coach is focused on what he controls, which is the game. Moreirense FC beat Sporting CP and FC Porto at home, drew with SL Benfica, and had a great game at Estádio da Luz as well. They are a very competitive, well-organised team, who have had their own routines for some years now. They are very calm in defence and competent in attack, and their coach works very well on set pieces. We have to be prepared. I owe a lot to the club I'm going to face, because they opened the doors for me in the Primeira Liga. I know most of the players and we will be focused on transitions and set pieces, if they exist for the opponents. In attack, we have to understand what we can explore within our individual and collective quality."

The ban for Conrad Harder
"The player celebrated a victory with our fans, without provoking anyone. The referee made the decision he did and I believe it will be reversed, because the footage is clear. If we don't celebrate, football becomes apathetic, but we are prepared to go into the game with or without Conrad."

Criticism of the performance of the title contenders
"When things don't go as we want, we put others down. We really want to be champions, and so do the fans, and we will celebrate with all due merit if that happens. It will be more than deserved for everything the group has overcome and will continue to overcome until the end of the season. They really deserve to be happy."

Five important games
"We'll take it one game at a time; there is no futurology and no easy games. We will focus on what we control and go into each game with the desire, ambition and will that we have shown. There are competitive teams that want to steal points from the big teams."

The motto for the final stretch of the season
"Luck is about hard work and that's why I say: "Whoever is most competent until the end will be champions." We know all the difficulties that lie ahead, but the ambition and belief that the team have demonstrated, despite sometimes less successful performances... the players are incredible and really deserve to be happy. The fans have spoken for us: "We don't need slogans for the final stretch, we need you to believe as much as we do and to be connected with us."

Alisson Santos' integration
"He has been training a lot with the first team, and he is growing and adapting to the demands of Sporting CP. He is a kid we believe in a lot, he has a lot of potential and characteristics that we like. He is going through a period of adaptation, understanding the size of the club and getting to know his teammates. He has provided a very good response. He wins duels, is powerful and will have his growth. I have no doubt he will be a player you hear a lot about."

The coach speaks on the eve of the trip to CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal play this Saturday, at 6pm in the Azores, against CD Santa Clara.

In the pre-match press conference for the Liga Portugal Matchday 29 game, coach Rui Borges highlighted Sporting CP's desire to win the title for a second consecutive season and confirmed that Pedro Gonçalves could play.

Condolences for the passing of Aurelio Pereira
“First of all, I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Aurélio, who was a very important person not only at Sporting CP, but in Portuguese football. He paved the way in terms of scouting, for finding and developing several great players.”

CD Santa Clara
“It will be a difficult game, on a difficult pitch, against a team who are having a great season, who are very competitive, very well organised, and one of the teams that allow the fewest shots to the opposition. They are very strong and very aggressive in transition, and the team that commits the most fouls in the division. This shows how competitive CD Santa Clara are in this sense. They have very strong players, especially in the final third, where they can create imbalances at any moment. Therefore, we have to be prepared, and be aware that we have to be very competitive to face this team. Then, of course, we have to continue to be how we have been: A Sporting CP with calmness, ability, individual quality and, at times, collective quality, to be better than CD Santa Clara.”

Conrad Harder
“For me, it’s a non-issue. I could have used other words to say what I wanted to say about him, but it was never in a critical tone. It was in the course of the questions in which I was just justifying, at that moment, why he came on as a winger, which is not his position. At that moment we needed players who could keep the ball, calm the game down more, and he is a player who is more of a transitional player, with intensity and speed. My words were never in a critical tone, even though I could have used other words. His reaction was good, normal, and he's been training happily. I had a conversation with him, but he knows his coach well, he knows what the coach thinks and wants from him, and I have affection for him and for everyone else.

Losing the top spot
“I'm a highly motivated coach and very confident about the final stretch of the season. In three and a half months, this was the first time we had lost the lead, so I would never think otherwise. I'm very optimistic and confident about the future and the team as well. We are in the fight for the title and it is down to us alone.”

The second half against SC Braga
“SC Braga had one shot on target in the second half, which was for their goal, and in the first half they had another. Possession is very subjective. I think we are the team with the second most possession in the league, and in the Rui Borges era the average is around 53/54%. We are the team that have the most shots on target, allow the fewest shots from the opposition, are the most efficient in passing, and are the second or third team in terms of the most defensive actions in the attacking midfield. I think that reflects the breakdowns in the second half.”

Players that give him comfort
“All of the Sporting CP players give me comfort. As I said, they have been fantastic in terms of their behaviour and commitment, and they were the same against SC Braga. We were much better in the first half, putting a lot of pressure on them, but it’s normal that we didn’t have 90 minutes with that intensity, especially since we were coming off a Taça de Portugal semifinal where several players played the full 90 minutes. Regarding our finishing, we need to get more shots on target and score more goals. We’ve had a lot of shots and we did in the last game too, but that’s part of it. I tell the players to make a lot of mistakes; they do that, and I take the blame for all of my players’ mistakes, whether they are defensively or offensively.

Pedro Goncalves and Hidemasa Morita
“Pote has been called up for the squad, but we will see to what extent he can contribute to the team and for how long. He has been out for a long time and will have to be managed well by everyone. (...) Morita has not been included.”

Retaining the title
“My goal is to be national champions. (...) After everything we have been through, as I have said, the players have responded fantastically. There is nothing to criticise them for. They are well aware of the goal and are committed to the objective, which is to be two-time champions. (...) We have been under pressure since the first matchday. We have lost first place, but it is still down to ourselves and we will be completely focused until the end.”

Sporting CP host SC Braga this Monday at 8:45 pm local time

Sporting Clube de Portugal have a Monday fixture against SC Braga on Liga Portugal Matchday 28, and coach Rui Borges spoke to the media ahead of the game.

SC Braga
"I think we will encounter the best SC Braga side of the season; a team who have grown in confidence and form. In the last ten games, they have eight wins, one draw and one defeat, and have only two away defeats this season. They are the team that, after Sporting CP, I think, get the most points away from home. They have been growing in the last few games, have been able to bring back in some important players, and you can clearly notice the difference in terms of their confidence and quality. Therefore, we expect a strong SC Braga, who want to win and are motivated. However, above all we'll see a Sporting CP who are very confident and with a very competitive attitude. I believe it will be a good game between two great teams, with both sides wanting to win. We will have to be very competitive, as we have been."

The game between FC Porto and SL Benfica putting pressure on Sporting CP
"The pressure has been there for a long time. It comes with trying to win the remaining games, one by one. That's our pressure, to win and become champions. It is only down to us and there couldn't be better pressure for us. None of us care about the other results. Our total focus is on our game, which will be difficult, against a great team."

Missed scoring opportunities
"It's natural for you to question things, but I don't worry about any of that. We have scored several goals and created a lot of chances in the last few games. It's normal that sometimes we don't manage to score so many goals, but I'm happy with the team's attitude, how they are intense and are creating goalscoring situations. If that wasn't the case, I would be worried. It happens with other teams too; no one wins that easily and there aren't easy games. I feel the team growing at every moment of the game and that makes me confident for the matches we have left this season.”

The most important matchday in this final stretch of the season
"There will still be a Clássico, a game between first and second, whoever it is, in the penultimate round of fixtures. It's an important matchday with good games, and everyone can drop points, but I'm just focused on our game. Don't expect me to say that I want any one side to win, I just want to win our game. That's what I can control. And if we're competitive, like I said, it's still up to us. The most important game is ours. If we win, we are first, whatever happens. I'm not going to talk about the opponents. For them the most important game will be theirs and for us ours. We only depend on ourselves, so our game is the most important."

What Zeno Debast gives in midfield
"He adds what he has added already. He is a dynamic player, he has grown, he is better, more intense and aggressive and he will give us that thing that his technical quality gives us. Everyone recognises that and he feels confident because of that. He will grow a lot and do well as a midfielder, but I will never forget that he is centre back, even though he is available, confident and does things very well".

Pedro Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita's availability
“The forecast for Pote remains a ten-day period, which I had already said, and Morita is out of the game.”