The coach reacts to the 2-2 draw at home to CD Tondela

Following the 2-2 draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and CD Tondela, Rui Borges answered questions from journalists at the press conference.

His first reaction
"We weren't the best in the world 15 days ago, and we're not the worst side in the world now. Frustration exists; it's part of the demands of this club. We never doubt ourselves, because then we can't improve and overcome the less positive times. In the last two games, we could have scored more goals, and we didn't. That's football, and we have to deal with the frustration of those moments. We have to believe in what we do and in the quality that brought us here. This less positive moment doesn't erase what's happened before. We have to support each other to overcome this less good phase."

Fans
"The fans' frustration is natural. It's part of the demands of representing Sporting CP. We always want to win, and we're going through a less positive phase. I understand their frustration, and we have to deal with it. I only ask that they continue to support the team during the game. At the end of the game, if there is frustration, we have to understand that and deal with it."

What he demands from the team and himself
"I demand to be better and better and overcome this less positive phase of the season. Things aren't going as we want, but it's not due to a lack of attitude or will. If it were, it would be a serious problem for me. They want to give everything for the team, but things aren’t going as they want, and you can see that the confidence isn't the same. In these five years of great achievements for Sporting CP, there have been some less good moments, and we have to be able to overcome them."

The consequence of the draw
"The dialogue between all of us is a daily one, and all scenarios are always there. I understand what it's like to be second or third. We really want to be second, and now it's difficult to get there. We know the difference between us third place, and we can't run away from the consequences. I know, the structure knows, and the players know. We all know."

Pressure
"I've been under pressure since I arrived at Sporting CP. I work at a great club, with the highest demands, and that want to fight for trophies. When we're far from them, it's natural that there's frustration. The pressure doesn't affect me."

Fatigue
"It is down to several factors over time. We’ve lost important players who could have responded. At times, we had to overload some with minutes. In this phase, we’ve lost some important players, and it's difficult to manage. There are players who clearly aren't at their best physically, but they want to give their all. We knew very well the situation we were in and what we wanted to compete for, but there were several injuries that imposed an overload on some players."

Daniel Bragança
"He was limited in what he could do, but he had a great game. He wanted to be with the team, like the good captain he is. He gave it his best and he was very good."

What he will do in the coming weeks
"I’ll work. It's what I've always done, believing in the players I have. To increase their confidence and make things a little lighter mentally. We have to help them free themselves from this lack of confidence."