The coach reflects on the Liga Portugal season

Following the final game of the 2025/26 Liga Portugal season, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges held a press conference to analyse the victory over Gil Vicente FC, earning his team second place and a spot in the qualifying phase for the UEFA Champions League.

Analysis of the game
“It was a great first half for us. We dominated, not allowing Gil Vicente FC to have any success when they had the ball. We were playing very well, with good timing in our pressing and reaction, and the goals came about naturally. We could even have scored another. In the second half, the opposition tried to be more aggressive, having one or two approaches, but then we managed to control the game with the ball and made it 3-0 in the final stages. It was well deserved, especially considering the opportunities we created in the first half.”

Farewells to Quenda and Morita
“It’s sad, because they are two great players. Quenda is at the beginning of his career, which will undoubtedly be a very good one. In a short time he has given us a lot, and I wish him all the luck in the world. Morita is a different kind of player and, personally, I am a great admirer of his – I already was before I came here, and I am even more so now. I learned a lot from him and I am sad to see him leave, because he is a wonderful player, but I’m also happy for everything he gave to Sporting CP. Him having been my player is something I will never forget, for his footballing and human qualities. He will always be someone special to me and, as has become clear, to the Sporting CP fans.

Second place
“Within the possible objectives, it gives some value to our season. It was the least we deserved for the ability and quality we demonstrated throughout. Fifteen less good days in a campaign don't erase the extraordinary season we had. The team gave another clear response regarding the strength of this group, even with players carrying injuries. The least this group deserved was second place, and we still have a Taça de Portugal final to play.”

The confirmed arrival of Rodrigo Zalazar
“He had a great season domestically and internationally, and will possibly be at the World Cup. He will give us many solutions for our dynamics, because he is a good player in footballing terms and is very competitive, with enormous ambition, matching the group and Sporting CP. I hope he has a very happy future. It was an opportunity we had, to sign a player we really wanted.”

The league season
“One always learns. FC Porto were more competent than us, full stop. We had the same number of points as last season, when we were champions, and that wasn't enough this year. I had said that doing the same wasn't enough, and this was the demonstration of that. The group had a great campaign, but another team had an extraordinary season. We could have done better at some moments, but we didn't. It's part of my growth as a coach, but I'm very proud of my journey so far at Sporting CP. Fortunately, we only missed one final, but we battled in all competitions.”

His overall season review
“We did everything to be champions. At some points we didn't succeed, and therefore we have to try to improve. We are in the Taça de Portugal final, we reached the Champions League quarter-finals and stayed in the fight until the end for the league. This shows the spirit, ambition and greatness of this group.”

The importance of Champions League preliminary qualification
“I'm very cold about the transfer market. I will have a squad with several players capable of making Sporting CP strong and competitive again. That's what we want and that's what we're going to work for.”

The returns of Hjulmand and Vagiannidis after injury
“He has recovered. I already said yesterday that he was training on the pitch. He is a great captain and wanted to play, even with pain -just like Vagiannidis, who played a great game. This is the Vagiannidis we want. I believe that after this year of adaptation he will have a great season next year. Zeno [Debast] has a problem, but if the national team and the player believe that he can still contribute, that's their decision.”

Words exchanged with Morita on his way off the pitch
“I just said thank you for everything he helped us with. It's a delight to see him play. He is a great reference for the group and his teammates have enormous respect for him.”

Players who have evolved the most tactically during the season
“I think all of them, but perhaps Maxi has grown a lot in his position. There’s Trincão, who perhaps grew the most tactically, because at times he has had different tasks. Iván Fresneda had a great season and Geny too, proving to be more mature.”

Fotis Ioannidis' condition
“He could be an option for the final.”

The Taça de Portugal final
“My only focus is to get the team switched on and prepare them for the demands of the game. I remember that we started this cup campaign in Paços de Ferreira, where we only won in extra time against a team fighting to avoid relegation in the II Liga. Now, we are going to play against a team fighting to get promoted. We have the maximum respect, concentration and high standards for the Taça de Portugal final.”