The coach previews the cup encounter

The international break over, Sporting CP return to action in the Taça de Portugal this Saturday, playing AC Marinhense at home.

Ahead of the match, coach Rui Borges attended a press conference at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo to preview the meeting with the side from the Campeonato de Portugal -the fourth division.

The approach to the match against a lower-level opponent
“I am approaching the game with respect, despite their internal problems [a series of disciplinary issues and the dismissal of coach Rui Sacramento] and sporting issues [going four games without a win], because cup games are always different. I've been on the other side of the equation, at lower-tier clubs, and I know how motivating it is to face a big club, especially when it’s the champions. AC Marinhense will be committed to trying to make things difficult for us, but we must demand maximum commitment from ourselves, as well as concentration and a serious approach. We have to focus on what we can control, start strong and not let up, because that is the greatest respect we can have for the opposition.”

Places for Salvador Blopa and the returning internationals
“I never announce the starting XI ahead of time, and I won’t break that rule, but Blopa and Luis [Suárez] are in the squad for the game. Maxi Araújo isn’t, due to his suspension [he was sent off against CD Santa Clara]. With some limitations for one or two players, we’ll use the strongest side available.”

Focus on the upcoming games and not the next transfer window
“Very honestly, I’m not really thinking about the January transfer window, but rather the very intense month of games we have ahead of us. That’s my focus. We have important Champions League games that could determine our continuation in the competition, and important league games we want to come out of top of the table. Sporting CP have a very large and strong structure, so I’m very calm. I’m sure we’ll be prepared for the January transfer window. I’m happy with the squad we have and the response they have given.”

Injured players 'Pote', Ioannidis, and João Simões
“I think 'Pote's' recovery time is shorter; he could be fit in the next few days. Ioannidis' comeback could take longer, but I can't be precise about that. Simões is out of tomorrow's game.”

Alisson Santos being ready to take over from 'Pote'
“Pedro Gonçalves has had, perhaps, his best start to the season, and I hope he returns quickly. Alisson is prepared, as are others like Quenda, Geny, and Rodrigo [Ribeiro], who have been training in those positions. They are players who are prepared to respond. Since I arrived, we played with Quenda and Geny and we were crowned champions. This year we have Alisson, with different characteristics; he is still developing and has given a tremendous response. He may have his opportunity at some point.”

Rumours about Hidemasa Morita's departure
“He is a great player and is coming to the end of his contract, so it's natural that people talk about him in many places. I look at him and see that he has grown and is very happy on a day-to-day level. He is a player I admire a lot and I think he will help us a lot until the end of the season.”

Being careful with Morten Hjulmand’s minutes
“Tomorrow he won’t be playing, so we need to manage his situation. He’s a very important player and has had fantastic growth. He’s in very good form, and that’s evident in the team’s growth in recent games. Given his performances with the national team, we have opted to be a bit cautious with him, because there’s a very demanding month and a half of games coming up, and we need him at his best. He’s sad that he didn’t qualify directly for the World Cup with his national team, but he’s already focused on the demands of Sporting CP and then, at the right time, on the play-offs to be at the World Cup. He has a very positive and mature mentality, hence why he’s a captain despite being so young.”