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.”