The coach keeps the derby against SL Benfica in perspective

Sporting CP travel to the Estádio da Luz this Friday to face rivals SL Benfica on Liga Portugal Matchday 13. On 31 points and 28 points, respectively, both are chasing league leaders FC Porto (34) going into the derby, and coach Rui Borges talked of the importance of the game in his pre-match press conference.

Sporting CP's current excellent form
“I look at this game like any other. Whether it's the best moment of the season or not, it is what it is. I don't focus too much on that. The path we’ve been following has been very positive, gradually improving in confidence, energy and quality of play. We are growing and that's what I'm proud to see. The game comes in this phase and a win is worth three points -like any other contest. The level of difficulty is great and the level of respect is the same as always. It will be a great game between two teams. We are in good form and we want to continue to consolidate this growth.”

50 games in charge of Sporting CP
“It's a milestone and I hope to have many more. I believe I'm prepared, that's why I'm here. But I think I'm still far from our peak, because we understand that growth is daily in our ability as coaches.”

Being favourites in the derby
“As I said before our game against FC Porto, it’s 50/50, but perhaps there was a small percentage in our favour then because we were playing at home -and we ended up losing the game. In that sense, I believe that SL Benfica, playing at home, at a difficult ground and in a difficult environment, may have that slight advantage, but I think it’s evenly matched. Above all, may it be a great game and may we be the team we have been so far.”

Changes in the approach given the magnitude of the game
“We won’t stray from our game plan, but we’re up against is a great team, which will force us to be more balanced at times. We want to be a balanced team in all phases of the game, and we have been growing in that sense. Tomorrow not only the offensive process will be very important, but also the defensive process, to be organised to neutralise the opponent's strengths. SL Benfica are a very strong team in transition when they win the ball in a mid-block. Above all, I want my team to be better at all times. We'll see if we're capable of that, and I believe we are, because I see the team as confident and 'switched on'. We'll be true to ourselves and, when we can't keep possession as much, we have to be well organised.”

Differences due to the opposing coach now being José Mourinho
“I have the same respect for coach José Mourinho as I did for Bruno Lage. I look, above all, at the team and its collective. I believe that Mourinho, because he didn't build this team, has also adapted more to the players he has. But I look at this game in the same way I've looked at the others: with respect for the opponents and their coach. He's a great coach, whom I admire very much, as I've already said, but tomorrow is SL Benfica vs. Sporting CP, regardless of the coaches. Above all, may it be a great game, with great respect between us.”

Sporting CP’s form being better than that of SL Benfica
“It depends on the perspective, because if you look at SL Benfica, perhaps they are in their best form, with three consecutive victories. I look at my team and, within the idea and what I foresee, we are in a very good phase of maturation in terms of dynamics and collective play. For me, Sporting CP are growing, but I also think that SL Benfica are in good form. We also had difficulties winning away at CD Nacional. It’s very subjective. SL Benfica haven't lost domestically yet and at home they are difficult to beat. I believe that SL Benfica will want to win and will play intensely and press for most of the time.”

Comparison to the Supertaça
“I think it's different. We are four months on from that, there's a different coach for them and we are more mature and have grown in terms of our game plan. Although I think we played a good game in the Supertaça, even though we lost, I think we are better as a team, but we have to demonstrate that tomorrow on the pitch.”

The possibility of including Pedro Gonçalves in the starting XI
“Here, nobody has a direct spot in the lineup. It depends on what they demonstrate. Before Quenda arrived, we were already tough on ‘Pote’. We have been growing and what makes me happy is that the team continue to respond regardless of who plays. I couldn't ask for more.”

Fotis Ioannidis still in doubt
“He is still in doubt. I don't know if he will be called up. It may or may not happen.”

Impact of the match on the league standings
“I don’t think it will dictate anything in the outcome of the title. It’s a big game, and I understand why all this is happening, because both teams could be six points behind FC Porto or SL Benfica could be nine behind… I understand, but I don’t agree, because there’s still a lot of the season left to play. Last year we were eight points ahead and we lost the advantage. Football is very much about the moment and everything changes very quickly. There’s more than one game left, so in my mind this game doesn’t dictate what the outcome of the title will be. We really want to win, but it doesn’t dictate the outcome of the season.”

Doubt regarding the midfield choice between Hidemasa Morita or João Simões
“I still have to sleep on that today. Simões is in great form and it was simply a decision not to have him play in the game against CF Estrela da Amadora, considering the opponents. He has been having great games and will continue to do so. Morita has been improving and Giorgi Kochorashvili has grown immensely in his adaptation to the dynamics, the team and Sporting CP. He will have his space and opportunities to demonstrate it. I’m happy to see this growth in Simões, in Morita and also in Gio.”

Sporting CP's results in the 'big' games this season
"That doubt is something journalists create. I don't see anyone saying that Rui Borges didn't lose any of those games last year, except on penalties in the Taça da Liga. I could also respond with the results we've had in the Champions League, but I won't. It doesn't affect me at all. I already said when we lost to FC Porto; if we won all the other games, we could possibly be champions and I'd take that. What interests me is what the team have shown and what we can do now."

Tactical aspects in which Sporting CP have evolved the most
"I think in terms of offensive variability we are completely different, more so than the formation -that has been talked about so much (laughs). We've become stronger in the offensive process, because in the vast majority of games we have to give that response against increasingly difficult teams to beat. The challenge was to be stronger there, but without neglecting other aspects, where we have also grown. We have improved in our reaction to losing the ball and in our balance.”