The coach talks about Sporting CP's game against Athletic Club

Rui Borges answered journalists' questions at San Mamés ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal's game against Athletic Club.

Previewing the game
"The past is in the past. I'm very focused on what we can do tomorrow. The group want to do something that will go down in the club's history, which is to finish in the Top 8. Even by winning, we still might not achieve it, but we have to be true to ourselves. We are up against a great team, with a stadium and identity that is very unique. We know all the difficulties ahead and that it will be a tough game, but we will try to do our best and see what happens. If we finish in the Top 8, it would be very good. If not, then it will have been good all the same. Nothing will erase the team's fantastic journey."

Nuno Santos' return to training
"It has a big impact on us. I've spoken several times about Nuno, who makes a daily impression on the group. He's experienced and very important to the group, because of everything he is as a sportsman and as a person. I'm happy to see him in training. He energises everyone and doesn't let anyone switch off. With everything he's won at Sporting CP and his history at the club, he's extremely important. Today, at the beginning of training, it was noticeable. He's a true warrior, there are very few people capable of overcoming what he has overcome. I'm happy to be able to have him available. He adds a lot to the team, and he's an example to follow."

Sporting CP's personality
"We will be a Sporting CP true to ourselves. We will be pressing at certain moments of the game and when we aren't, it's because the opposition have the quality to push us into a medium-low block. We won't stray from our identity and gameplan."

A possible two playoff games
"In terms of the calendar, it would be great not to have to play them. It would be very good to have the team more prepared and capable, and to control any excess workload, but we won't go into the game thinking about that. We will only think about winning and making history."

European ambitions
"The dream is to win tomorrow, I'm not going to stray from that. Dreams will materialise according to what we are able to do along the way. Tomorrow we will face a great team away from home, and if we manage to overcome them we will see what the consequences will be. Finishing in the Top 8 would be extraordinary, but if we don't, it will still be extraordinary -because we face great teams and never lower our level."

Central defenders
"We have to get Ousmane Diomande as fit as possible. Eduardo Quaresma has shown positive signs and it is necessary to highlight his willingness to train and be an option. He is highly motivated to help the team, even when he was injured. Adaptation to the mask he will wear will happen over time, naturally. Regarding Zeno Debast, we thought it best to take care with his condition."

UEFA Champions League points
"The key game was the first one, against FC Kairat, at home. We showed humility. The players know very well the competition we are in and have a lot of ambition in all the competitions we contest."

Preparation for the match
"Athletic Club are very good at transitions, they are very well organised. They activate the press very well and recover a lot of balls in the attacking midfield. They have a medium block at times and have players who make the difference on the counterattack. We prepared more for the collective than for the individuals. Of course, they will leave gaps, just like us."

His journey over the years
"Evolution is part of everything that is happening to us and the daily challenges that force us to grow. The growth must have been good because we arrived at Sporting CP. Just recently Fernando [Morato, a member of the coaching staff] was showing me photos from that year and we were laughing. Back then, nobody would have guessed that today we would be competing in the UEFA Champions League with Sporting CP, at a great stadium and against a great team. Every club we've been at has been important for our growth, and I'm grateful to all of them; the challenge has always been different. We are constantly developing, learning daily from players and staff, from everyone who works at the club. It all started when I was 26 years old and began coaching the youth teams at SC Mirandela."

The key to overcoming Athletic Club
"Understanding the moments that come up in the game and what to do in each one, given the quality of Athletic Club and the atmosphere, will be vital. Considering everything we've been able to achieve in Liga Portugal and the UEFA Champions League, it's natural to say we've been very strong offensively, but we've also been strong defensively. That balance is what we need to have tomorrow against a team that want to win to advance to the playoffs. Athletic Club are very well-coached and have a great manager. Mentally, we have to understand the moments of the game and deal with the atmosphere and Athletic Club's desire to win. They are very strong in transitions, and we have to be careful, even though we like to have the ball.

How he defines himself as a coach and as a person
"I feel like a very simple person and my Casio watch is always there on my wrist. It reminds me of my journey, where I came from and how much it took me to get here. Just because I'm here now doesn't mean I'm going to have a 500 or 1000 euro watch. I'm simple, honest, and direct. I'll always be like that, I can't be any other way. I don't forget those who helped me and I will always be grateful."