The coach talks after the win against Casa Pia AC

At the end of the 0-2 win over Casa Pia AC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave his first post-match press conference of the Liga Portugal season.

The dominant display
“I already felt that we had that in the Supertaça, regardless of the result. The team responded well. We were even stronger and more consistent, above all. I think it was one of the best first halves and best matches we've played since I arrived at Sporting CP. We just needed to finish our chances better, because it was a first half in which we deserved to come away with a better result at halftime, given what we were able to do and what we didn't let the opponent do. They didn't even reach our goal. We were very strong in defensive transitions. I couldn't be happier. The injuries in the second half disrupted the game a bit. It was natural that we would drop off a bit, but the opponents didn't pose much of a threat.”

Luís Suárez's starting debut
“Everything he was able to give the team in the 90 minutes was good. He put in a great performance, on a par with Trincão, and 'Pote' also deserved a goal for everything he created. We were very dynamic, and on an individual level, everyone put in a great performance. Suárez went for the goal, created chances, provided the assist, and had a great game. Even with such a short time with us, he kept up with his teammates and contributed greatly. I'm very happy with everything everyone was able to demonstrate."

Hjulmand's showing
"I'll talk about what he demonstrated in the game. He responded once again with a great game, just like he always does. He held the team together and guided them. That's what a captain does; he helps a lot. To the fans, I want to send out a big thank you for what they did today throughout the game, which is what they also did last season. They believed, they supported, and that's what matters: Feeling the fans are behind the team."

Proving they can also be champions without Gyökeres
"It's Sporting CP who are the champions. Many people have played here, and many haven't won trophies. The important thing is for Sporting CP to keep winning. The group demonstrated today the ambition and the 'hunger' to keep winning."

The importance of winning after a setback in the Supertaça
“It was important to be able to demonstrate the consistency of our play. In the Supertaça, the players showed what they wanted. They believed, and today we reinforced what we had already shown. I'm pleased that the team haven't lost confidence despite missing out on a trophy. Above all, I'm happy with the consistency and the feeling that they believe things are being done well.”

Maxi Araújo and Ousmane Diomande’s injuries
“I haven't asked the doctor about them yet. It still requires some analysis, but I hope it's nothing serious. I can't answer about the severity of the injuries.”

Still looking for more
“We always strive to do better. In the first half, we were very strong at all times: We were pressing, competitive, and provided quality play… The only thing we could have improved was our finishing. In the first half, on the whole, we were very good, and in the second half we dropped off a bit -but we were good nonetheless. We know we have to do better, and we always want to be better.”

More moves through the middle with Suárez up front
"These are your interpretations. I know exactly what I want to make the team stronger. Suárez gives us depth, linkup play, defensive transitions... He adds a lot to the team. In terms of game awareness, he's more mature than Harder -who's also developing, but who will improve over time. One is 19 and the other is 27. What matters to me is that the dynamics I want are there. As a coach, 15 or 20 percent is down to me; the other 80 percent is their decision-making.”

Using Suárez and Harder and choosing Geny over Quenda
"[Geny and Quenda] are two players who have worked very well. It's was just a choice; it's more about strategy and the feel of the game. I'm happy to have them both at Sporting CP as a solution. The two forwards could be a solution throughout the season. There are many games, so we want to have a more balanced squad in terms of options."