The coach talks about the first game of 2026

2026 begins with Sporting CP back in action on Friday, facing Gil Vicente FC in the opening match of Liga Portugal Matchday 17.

Coach Rui Borges previewed the match in a press conference before the away trip.

Wishes for 2026
“I ask for good health for myself and my family, it's the only thing I always ask for. As for the rest, happiness comes from the little things. If we have our loved ones on our side and they are well, everything is fine. As for what we want for May, that requires work and, with good health, we will do everything to get it.”

The opponents and their approach
“They are a team who are having an extraordinary season. They broke their club's points record and are very organised at all times during games. They have some relatively identifiable dynamics, but they are very intense, especially at home. They vary in terms of pressing, which is sometimes higher and at other times uses a medium block waiting for the right moment to press, so we believe that the game will vary a little in that regard. I believe they will maintain a medium block. With the ball they are ambitious and have strong players in 1 vs.1 situations. They have attackers with very good characteristics, dynamic midfielders and a physically strong defensive line as well, so they are a balanced team and it's a difficult game."

The possible departure of Pablo, Gil Vicente FC's top scorer
“For us, the coaching staff, it doesn't change anything. Pablo has just returned to action and Varela has been playing, so it could be him who is playing. They are different players, but have their own qualities. They are a team who know very well what they have to do, and we are more focused on their collective performance. We'll have to be very focused."

Injuries
"Salvador Blopa is also out due to injury."

A need to go into the transfer market
"No, my need is to recover those who can't contribute just yet, and those who are away at the African Cup of Nations. If everyone is available, I'm happy with what I have. This way, we have more solutions and resources for our way of playing. If we add someone, it will always be from a perspective looking to the future, and not because of current absences. I'm focused on the entire squad being motivated; everyone is important, everyone will have opportunities and they have to deliver, and that's what has been happening."

His three wishes at a sporting level
"Very honestly, I don't know how to answer that. For now, it's to continue at Sporting CP, because I'm very happy here. We want to be part of Sporting CP's history and fight for every competition we're involved in. We know we won't always win, but that doesn't mean we'll stop being a great team. My wish is for good health to do what I love most, where I am now."

Comparisons between Viktor Gyökeres and Luis Suárez
“They are different and bring different things to the team. Viktor made history at Sporting CP and in Portuguese football, and I believe Luis will also make his mark on the club and in our league. I'm lucky to have been able to work with both of them -and also with Fotis. Luis and Fotis bring many things to the collective and to the dynamics that we wanted -and that are more in line with our coaching staff's outlook.”

The best team in Portugal
“For me, the best team is always mine. My players are always the best, even if they were in 15th or 16th place. In terms of points, the best team currently is FC Porto, because they are in first place. I never take away merit from those who are ahead of us, and it is necessary to respect that, but I always look at my team as the best.”

Precautions due to the intense run of games approaching
“I haven't asked for any precautions. The players know the responsibility they have; they are professional players and they know what they can and cannot do. They know that tomorrow we have an important game ahead of us and that a demanding month is coming, in which we'll be playing every three days. It will be a demanding month and a half in terms of games, with some absences.”

SL Benfica's role in the title race
“I think they are contenders. Last season, we didn't have a ten-point lead, but we were eight points ahead of second place and they recovered the gap. There are many games left, there are different patches of form for the teams and there are still many points to play for. In football, I've seen a lot happen. The margin for error is smaller, FC Porto are having a great first half to the season, and we have to do our part and wait for the season to unfold.”