The coach assesses the Champions League exit

After the 0-0 draw against Arsenal that ended Sporting CP's journey in the UEFA Champions League, coach Rui Borges analysed the game in his press conference.

Overall analysis of the tie
"The word 'pride' is the right one to describe the team. Based on everything we did in these two games, I think we deserved more, and to at least take the tie into extra time today. In both games, the best opportunities belonged to Sporting CP. The character and personality we showed in fighting against one of the best teams in Europe was fantastic. The word 'pride' is the right one to describe this group and the demonstration of character, strength and quality they have shown throughout the season. Of course, today it has more impact because it's the Champions League, but we showed that we are also the best."

The possible penalty on Maxi Araújo
"I'm not going to talk about that because it would devalue what we did throughout the game, our ability and our quality."

Strategy fulfilled
“Strategically, the team were fantastic. We had the best opportunities to score, and Arsenal didn't create as many -both today and at Alvalade. With the ball, the aim was to prevent the game from flowing, to get into Arsenal's midfield and have organised attacks to wear them down. We are a team that like to have the ball, with an offensive style of play, and we didn't shy away from that. We showed our ideas, character, and personality, and that makes me very proud.”

The ambition shown
“We were very ambitious in both games; the best chances belonged to Sporting CP. This shows the collective and individual ambition and quality we have. We were courageous and committed; we are playing in the Champions League.”

The derby against SL Benfica
“Now we're thinking about the next game. It's about recovering, catching our breathe and thinking about it calmly. SL Benfica are fresher because they play once a week, but we'll go into the game with our spirit, ambition, and with our fans. Their energy will be very important, and I'm appealing to them now, so that on Sunday they are as they have been: At the team's level.”

Feelings after the outcome
“There can be no frustration, but rather pride in the two great games we managed to play against one of the best teams in Europe. If we want to be among the best in Europe, we have to be able to respond to this demand every three days. It has to propel us forward for the coming games. We can't lower our level. It has to serve as motivation, and never as frustration.”

Difficulties in scoring and the keys to defensive consistency
“Arsenal have one of the best defensive lines in Europe, with very strong and fast defenders. Physically, we are not a strong team in duels; we like a possession-based game and some transitions. It was important to be able to settle in and keep possession, with long attacks, without letting the game get away from us. In defensive terms, we didn't let Arsenal create chances. We were very compact, focused, and rigorous. The team were fantastic.”

The European campaign
“It's been very positive. We made history for Sporting CP and we can look back with pride. We have to look at it positively and think that it's the beginning of a dream, of the club's growth, so that more and more people look at Sporting CP differently. The feeling is one of pride, but we still have a long way to go and should always be growing.”

Pedro Gonçalves' form
“He had a good game and the team even dropped off when he went off. He's looking for his best form still, but he's important for us and his numbers speak for themselves.”

A lack of luck
“Whether it be luck or bad luck, I don't care much about that. Luck takes a lot of work. I say we could have been more effective. Luck is about work and competence, and we always try to have a lot of that.”

The coach reviews the win over CF Estrela da Amadora

After the hard-fought victory in Amadora, Rui Borges spoke to the media about Sporting CP's performance in the game.

Analysis of the game
"It was a difficult, competitive game. We knew that games after the UEFA Champions League are always very difficult for us, and that was the main point that came up in our team talk. We are well aware of it. We had to compete. We controlled the game with possession, but we lacked some inspiration in the final third. In the first half, CF Estrela da Amadora defended their area with eleven men, and we could have made better decisions. We didn't let them believe in themselves or get into transitions; in that aspect, we did well. We knew it was important to have that strictness as well. The game was a bit like that: We had a lot of the ball, but lacked inspiration in the final third.

Changes to the starting XI
"It was about managing our energy. Gonçalo Inácio has a lot of playing time under his belt. He was also on his fourth yellow card, but the decision was mostly due to physical issues: he came back from international duty, we began a month with many games, and to avoid a setback and losing him, we opted for this strategy. Edu [Quaresma] and Zeno [Debast] deserved this confidence; they had a very good game at home against CD Santa Clara. They demonstrate the character and willingness of everyone to take advantage of the opportunities the coach gives them.

We ended up refreshing the central area a bit, the two centre backs and two midfielders coming in. Morten [Hjulmand] didn't play against Arsenal FC, [Hidemasa] Morita played 90 minutes, Dani [Bragança] has been doing very well... it was important to have some mentally fresh players there too. There weren't so many changes that we could say it was all with the upcoming games in mind. It was another small physical and mental refreshment in a central area."

A decisive week-and-a-half
"It's natural that it's a decisive week, as we are getting closer and closer to the end of the season. The games become more decisive, but I only care about looking at the next one. And the next one is against Arsenal."

Geovany Quenda's return
"I'm very happy to see Quenda back. He's an important player who gives a lot to the team. He had a long break, unfortunately, but his teammates and the coaching staff are happy to have him back. He's a different kind of player and can help us in this final stretch of the season in the competitions we are involved in."

Wind
"The wind affected everyone, not just Sporting CP. In terms of the wind, or the cold... the adaptation is difficult for everyone and affected the quality of the game."

Iván Fresneda's substitution
"Iván was complaining about a knock and we opted to take him off at halftime."

Daniel Bragança's performances post-injury
"Dani has grown. He's an even more mature player and, of course, that is combined with his technical quality and reading of the game. I read a few days ago that, in the future, he could be a coach. I have no doubt about that. He has excellent game reading and decision-making skills; he needed time but he's in good form, he's added a lot to the team, and his teammates see that quality in him to help and make a difference."

Difficulties in speeding up the game
"In the first half, possession was very slow. We had to make the ball move around more, and that's why I say that the wind ended up greatly affecting the game. The players ended up being a little afraid to make some passes and realise that the wind makes things different. We had to move around a lot. The ball had to travel a lot down the wings, and even then we needed to make simpler decisions to 'crush' the opposition. We reached the final third and were very slow, as we weren't gaining numerical superiority. We improved at halftime, but in the first half we weren't managing it well; there was always numerical equality and time for CF Estrela da Amadora to reorganise the threat and defend their goal.

They opted to play with a five-man defensive block, which ended up being more difficult to break down. They are competitive and intense players in terms of physical and athletic ability; it's natural that we also lacked some energy, but despite everything, we knew it was a game where we had to compete, more than just wanting to play very well."

The coach looks ahead to Friday's game against CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal host CD Santa Clara this Friday at 8:30pm, kicking off Matchday 28 of the Liga Portugal season.

In a press conference before the game, coach Rui Borges previewed what he anticipates will be a difficult encounter.

Geovany Quenda and Giorgi Kochorashvili returning to training
"Quenda is not yet fit for action. We need to have a little more patience, for a few more days, so he is still not one of our options. That's unfortunate, because he is a player who contributes a lot. He is an important player for our team, despite his young age, just as he was last year. I'm happy to see him back, but not so happy that I can't use him tomorrow, as he would certainly be a great asset.
For me, it's easy to manage his emotional side, because he is very motivated to return and help the team in all the competitions we are involved in. This makes me more anxious than him: he is very important to us and is another player who gives us solutions. He is happy and he is raring to return.
Gio is also back and we still have to find out if he will be available or not, but he has been training well and I'm happy to see him back too."

CD Santa Clara
"CD Santa Clara haven't lost in their last five games, and in that spell they've earned the fifth most points, which clearly demonstrates their improvement under the new coach. They remain a very well-organised team defensively, allowing the opponents few scoring opportunities, are very strong on the counter-attack, with fast and strong players in one-on-one situations, and they have good decision-making. They're a very competitive and intense team in their duels, and one of the teams with the most bookings in the league, which shows the intensity they put into their play. They will create problems for us, and we have to be at our best to win."

Pedro Gonçalves
"If he wasn't fit, he wouldn't have gone away with Portugal, nor would he have stayed until the end of their training camp. He was fine, it was the coach's decision not to use him. Above all, I hope he's motivated, and I believe he is, to continue giving a great response at Sporting CP and greatly help his team -which is what he has been doing throughout the season.
I believe that, with everything he has done and shown at Sporting CP, he is always a player who can make a difference at any moment, whether for the club or for Portugal. I make my decisions at Sporting CP and that's already a huge responsibility. I can't comment on the choices of others. I know he was fit, that he had a cramp and recovered, but he would have been fit to contribute for his country."

Title calculations
"Whoever is ahead of us in the table deserves credit, as it's a sign that they have been more competent than the others so far. However, we are still in the fight. There are many games left and we have to be focused on what we control -which are our games-, do our best and win, starting with tomorrow's game."

The absence of Luis Suárez
"I'm not going to discuss the disciplinary committee's decision, as it is what it is. He took responsibility for what he did and we respect the decision.
There are alternatives. We might play with a false 9, but we have Rafael Nel and that's an option for the game too. We'll see, considering the players returning from international duty, who we can put out. Morten [Hjulmand] arrived ill, Gonçalo Inácio and Rui [Silva] arrived injured, Pote is just out of shape -or so I hope... but we'll see what we can do and field a team that, above all, is capable of the intensity of the game."

Preparation without the internationals
"It's the demands of my job. It was one of the biggest difficulties when I arrived here: I'm obsessed with training, as I believe that repetition gives a team a lot of stability at all times during the game. Arriving here and not being able to train with everyone, especially in the middle of the season when we're fighting for all competitions, left me very stressed in that moment. It was also part of my growth as a coach, to become better and more capable of responding at Sporting CP.
For tomorrow's game, when there's no time to prepare fully, the solution is rest, to relax and get them as prepared as possible for the game. They know our game plan and what they have to do in each game. We are very focused on who we are as a team; not ignoring the opponents, but with images and the little we can do on the pitch, we look at the strategy and get them as prepared as we can."

Controversy in previous games against GD Santa Clara
"Controversy will always exist in football. We all make mistakes, so many times. Part of it is up to me, journalists, players and everyone involved in football to assess. The best way is this: Valuing the participants. That's what I try to do: Make my team better and more capable, so that people identify with the team, so that they become better and players."

The coach reviews the win over FC Alverca

After the 1-4 win away to FC Alverca, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the victory in his press conference.

Analysis of the game
"I think we were the better side for the entire 90 minutes. We started well and scored against an FC Alverca team defending in a low block. Then, we entered a period of ‘controlled sleepiness’ which could have hurt us. We overdid it in that sense. It was a more subdued game then, but the second half was completely different. We were dynamic and had a different energy. We wanted to get the second goal, even running some risks at the back. It was a very good second half, both with and without the ball. It was a game controlled by us, with a second half that was better than the first."

Nuno Santos' injury
"It's a muscle injury, I can't say more than that. Unfortunately, a player who has been out for 15 months has these risks when they come back."

The yellow card given to Luis Suárez
"I think now there should be a white card. It was a strange situation, but I won’t comment much on it."

The postponed game meaning the team are the chasers in the standings
"We are focused on ourselves and we know what we have to do in this final stretch of the season. It has always been like that and the team gave another great response today. Now, some of the players will go away with their national teams and we will take a breather to prepare for an intense month."

Only one change in the starting XI
"We played on Wednesday. It was noticeable that our energy wasn’t the same in the first half, but we tried to press high. The most important thing was to recover from the mental strain of the Champions League. There were some players who had received 120 minutes and others 70, but we played on Wednesday, so it wasn’t an excuse. The team gave a great response, thankfully."

A 50th victory in charge of Sporting CP
"I’m happy. It’s another milestone in our journey as a coaching team. We’ve been doing a great job, and the quality of play and the data demonstrate that. Above all, I’m happy to have been in charge of a great Sporting CP side for all these months."

The coach talks before the game against FC Alverca

Sporting CP travel to Ribatejo this Sunday to face FC Alverca in Liga Portugal. Coach Rui Borges spoke in a press conference ahead of the game.

Returning to domestic action after the UEFA Champions League
“Because of all the fatigue from the game against FK Bodø/Glimt, it will be a difficult task, and it will also be so because of what FC Alverca are like. They have been growing and, therefore, it will be a difficult game. The most important thing is to recover and get the players switched on as much as possible to the demands of the next game.”

Possible changes
“It's possible that there may be some changes. We will have to see how the team are feeling. In terms of the left side, we don't have Maxi [due to an accumulation of yellow cards], but we have Nuno Santos and Ricardo Mangas, who is back in. These are two solutions and either one of them gives us something.”

Luis Guilherme's Injury
“The time off that he needs could be around four to six weeks. We have to see about his ankle. The knock happened in the last moment of training. There are things we can't control.”

The impact of accumulated fatigue
“It's part of the demands of the club. Of course, there was an unusual amount of emotional and physical expenditure this week, but we have to be able to deal with it. It's not something new, it's always been here. We've played a lot of games and we're going into a very busy month of April. It's part of being where we are, but we have to find solutions to continue to do Sporting CP justice.”

Players called up for their national teams
“There are many of them, but it is what it is. We can't escape it. They also want to play for their national teams, with a World Cup comng up. I am happy, above all, to see them with their national teams, achieving another goal and dream. It doesn't mean that we're going to stop responding to demands in April.  It's difficult for the players who need time to get rest. For example, Zeno [Debast] had a long break and is good to play for 30 minutes, because if you put him in from the start he won't have that response.

Postponement of the game against CD Tondela
“It was a regulatory right that we had and we exercised it. It's a good thing we did that, because if we had that game we wouldn't have been able to give the physical and mental response that we gave against FK Bodø/Glimt. We were fantastic for 120 minutes. We'll have to put the game against CD Tondela somewhere on the calendar. Protests from rivals is noise; it's part of the game, but the postponement was a right we had.”

The historic UEFA Champions League run
“It's important to find ways to switch on the players and draw on their energy. It won't be the same this weekend, because as much as we want it, it's impossible. The rest time isn't the same, the recovery isn't either, but we have to raise our energy to a good level. We're going to face a team who haven't lost at home in 2026, have grown a lot and defend well. It will demand a lot from us. The game could be separated into transitions and we have to understand what response we can give.”

A possible contract renewal with Sporting CP
“I'm very calm about that. I know well how the interaction and mutual trust with the Sporting CP structure is. I have a contract with Sporting CP and whatever has to happen, will happen in due time.”

The many good options for the centre back
“Perhaps it’s the most difficult position to manage. I have four fabulous defenders, they all deserve to play, and that’s a headache for me. Edu [Quaresma] has responded well. Diomande had that dip which coincided with Ramadan, which is natural. Zeno is coming back and doing very well, and Inácio has had a fantastic season. I have four high-quality defenders and any one of them can be a starter tomorrow.”

Luis Suárez’s fatigue
“I don’t believe Ioannidis will be available in the coming weeks. Regarding Luis, he's very particular. We also appeal to the good sense of the national team coaches, so that they understand the players’ fatigue and what they still have to play. He has been a very selfless player, giving everything to the team, and it shows. Physically he has been phenomenal, but he's not a machine and he'll have setbacks -as he already has.”

Post-UEFA Champions League euphoria being detrimental
“The euphoria is outward. For us coaches, it's over after ten minutes, because we have little time to recover and we know how difficult the game against FC Alverca will be. The players had a break to enjoy time with their families after achieving something unprecedented, but after we started training there was no more euphoria. The most important thing is to be able to draw on our energy."

Reaction to the hard-fought victory in extra time against AFS

At the end of the cup tie against AFS, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges reviewed the 3-2 win.

Achieving the objective despite needing extra time
"It's mission accomplished, that's for sure. It was a competent game until we made it 2-0, then we entered a collective state of relaxation and AFS, in two fortuitous moves, won two penalties and ended up believing a different result could be possible. Then, we entered a mental block, with several misplaced passes. Football, perhaps, is beautiful for that reason: it changes a lot and changes quickly. We put ourselves in a vulnerable position, but we also have to give credit to the opponents."

Impact of the 30 extra minutes on the upcoming league fixture 
“The players will be more tired in the coming days, but that won't be an excuse for our performance in the Clássico. We will arrive in top form to play a game with a different intensity. I believe it will be an important game, but not a decisive one. The pressure and motivation of playing a Clássico will outweigh the 30 extra minutes today.”

The return of Nuno Santos
“Above all, I'm happy to see him returning to the team after such a long break. It's fantastic for me, for his teammates, and for the fans. He's far from at his best, but we'll help him. He'll get there, but he needs time and patience to understand that. He can play as a full-back or as a midfielder and he's another player who will add a lot of quality and, above all, a lot of competitiveness.”

Several options in the squad for the wing position
“The players have to show me how prepared they are to respond. I like that they know how to play on both sides, because football nowadays is more unpredictable. Above all, I have more solutions with different characteristics. I'm happy that everyone is switched on and able to respond.”

Assessments of the standings before the Clássico
“I don't look backwards, only forward. We will do everything to win that game, but it's not decisive because there are many games left. We finished eight points ahead of second place in 2024/2025 and dropped nine points. All the games will be very difficult. For me, it's not a decisive game, but it's an important game.”

The coach previews a busy week of action for Sporting CP

Sporting Clube de Portugal host CD Nacional this Sunday at 6pm, on Liga Portugal Matchday 20. In his pre-match press conference, Rui Borges talked about the fixture.

Analysis of CD Nacional
"Tiago Margarido has done a great job for them. For us coaches, and in this case for him, to be in charge of CD Nacional for a hundredth game -he must be the active coach in the league who has been at the same club the longest- it's something to be commended. They are a good team, very strong when making fast attacks and offensive transitions, and Gabriel Veron has added quality to that. Away from home, they have four defeats, but always by the narrowest of margins; they played very well against FC Porto and won in Braga, which clearly shows the quality we will encounter with them. They are a competitive team, strong in the duels, and they commit some fouls that demonstrate the intensity with which they approach games. They are strong on offensive set pieces and in Madeira we conceded a goal from that. After the UEFA Champions League, making a change of mindset is always difficult, but the ambition is there, and the motivation too. I believe we will have a great game against a good team."

Focus on the league after a European Top-8 finish
"I'm in charge of a great group, who know that games after the UEFA Champions League are difficult, due to physical and mental exhaustion. Only a great team can fight against this and maintain the same quality and intensity of play. This is a challenge for us as a team. I believe in the responsibility of the group, who know that we have to win, and that we will give everything to do so against an organised and competitive team, with the help of our fans. Our ambition, will to win and fight for the title will overcome all the difficulties that may exist in the game. I am happy for all the Portuguese teams for their success in Europe. It gives value to our football and our position in the ranking, where we have overtaken the Netherlands. Congratulations to all the teams that managed to qualify. It's good for all of us."

The squad and transfer market
"I want to use my entire squad. If someone has to leave, they will leave, whether it's Alisson [Santos] or someone else. It's a credit to the whole team, which has increased in value because of everything we have done throughout the season -in Europe and domestically-, and for the collective and individual quality we have demonstrated. These supposed departures and arrivals are natural, and I deal with it well. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sporting CP are above any player and any coach. I need everyone and I want everyone available, but when one player is missing, there are others to come in. Alisson is called up for tomorrow, he's a Sporting CP player and, therefore, I won't elaborate much further on that."

Luis Suárez and Pedro Gonçalves risking receiving fifth yellow cards
"They will come into the match without any restrictions. I'm looking at CD Nacional, I want to win the next game and that's what matters to me. They will both play, they are options, they know the responsibility better than anyone and the fact that they have four yellow cards, but it's pointless to think about FC Porto if we don't beat CD Nacional. Then, in Porto, whoever is available will give the best response."

Players unavailable
"Gonçalo Inácio is in the squad for tomorrow. Fotis Ioannidis is still out. We can bring in Souleymane Faye now. Zeno Debast is out; it's not a problem, it's just us managing the injury he had. We don't want him at 70%, we want him at 100%, because we need him in this final stretch of the season."

Different options on the wings
"They are all different. [Souleymane] Faye gives us different things than Alisson, Luís Guilherme and Geny [Catamo]. They are two very promising players that we went after. We believe a lot in the potential of both.
 I don't look at a player just in terms of his shot or the goals he scores. We have to look at several things. Alisson, for example, has enormous potential, but it's necessary to understand the context and how much he has to grow. We sign players mainly for our league games, as those are the important ones, and the performance has to be high, especially there. That's our first focus. Of course, we want them to do well in every game, but they all have to improve in some areas. Alisson, in decision-making against low blocks, because he doesn't have as much space, while in the UEFA Champions League he can go one-on-one. Faye plays deeper and goes further up without the ball more than anyone else. They are very dynamic players and, above all, different. This increases the quality we have, plus the team's strategy and strategic options throughout the games."

The most important week of the season
"The team always have an inherent responsibility. It's an important week, like all the others. I understand the question, because access to the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal is at stake; we are in second place in the league and we have that responsibility, but Sporting CP aren't happy with just a cup; we want to fight for everything. We are in these fights and we will do everything to continue. We will play the league leaders away from home, but it's a game like any other. First, we have to beat CD Nacional, so as not to let that gap widen, and then we'll think about AVS, and only then about FC Porto."

The coach reacts to the 1-1 draw against Gil Vicente FC

Following Sporting CP's 1-1 draw in Barcelos, coach Rui Borges gave his analysis of the match against Gil Vicente FC.

The result
"It all ends up being subjective, about the 'ifs', but we could have made it 0-2 to kill the game off and prevent Gil Vicente FC from growing in confidence. We started the second half very well, and in the first half we controlled play. Gil Vicente FC tried transitions and set pieces, where they created more danger, and we managed to break their press, but we lacked some quality. We scored from an attack that we should have tried more often, and then, in the second half, we started very well, but from the 20th minute onwards we let the game open up and Gil Vicente FC launched counter-attacks, which they are dangerous from."

The performance
"We had 64% possession and we had quality in the initial stages of the build-up, but we lacked more quality in the final third. Even more so in the first half, because in the second half we started very well and were very strong. Afterwards, we should have worn down Gil Vicente FC more, but we lost possession and allowed them to start counter-attacks, but the danger they provided was even greater from set pieces. We won't always finish our chances well, but the team were proactive."

Solutions to counter the way the opponent closed down the central areas
"The important thing was to break their initial press and establish ourselves in the opposition midfield, to force them to stay further away from our goal. We could have varied things more with longer balls instead of low passes which went through many players. That was lacking more in the first half -more than speed. The first half was less dynamic, the second half was better, but within what was asked of us, the team had a good game. We were penalised by what happened in the final part of the game."

The many players out
"It's not an excuse. We could have made it 0-2 and then we would be talking about something else, but we didn't manage to do that. We let a team who are having a great season believe in their chances until the end, at home. The sending-off affected the game and made the opposition believe even more. I'm not going to lament the players who were missing. I want everyone available, of course, and it was important, but the team fought well and had quality. There's no point in thinking about who's not here. I'm already thinking about the game against Vitória SC in the Taça da Liga, because I don't have Inácio due to his sending off and we don't have defenders available."

The effect of the draw on the top of the table
"Last year we had an eight-point advantage and dropped down to second place. There's a long way to go and we're only focused on what we can control and do."

Points lost late on against SC Braga and Gil Vicente FC
"These are two specific games. Here we were down to ten men and Gil Vicente FC, in those following minutes, grew in strength and deserved to get the draw, while we were still organising ourselves. With SC Braga it was a penalty, a move in the area. We ended up being penalised, but that's the nature of the game."

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.”

The coach looks at the meeting with Rio Ave FC

To close out 2025, Sporting CP play at the Estádio José Alvalade against Rio Ave FC this Sunday in Liga Portugal action. On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges held a press conference to preview the contest.

The dangers posed by Rio Ave FC as visitors
“Regarding Rio Ave FC, and whether they are more vulnerable without Clayton, I give as an example the game away to Benfica where they drew: Neither Clayton nor André Luiz were starters, and they are the two players who are most talked about at this stage of the season and have been the most impactful. This speaks volumes about Rio Ave FC, a team that will create some difficulties for us. Away from home, they only lost in Moreira de Cónegos, and drew at Luz and in Famalicão. This shows their competitiveness when playing away. If we think we're going to score a goal just by waiting, then we're wrong. We have to be serious and rigorous in our approach, as we were with Vitória SC."

Options for the match
“Maxi Araújo is doubtful because he's feeling ill. Debast and Dani are still in the process of reaching their best level. At the right time they will be solutions for us, but not right now. Hjulmand, who is close to serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards, will play. There's no need to manage the approach based on cards, because the most important game is this one against Rio Ave FC, which is the next one. When one player is unavailable, another will play and they will respond. It has been like that up to now, and will continue to be so.”

The motivation to win three titles in a row
“My players already have enough fuel for motivation. Their greatest ambition, as was evident in some of their interviews during these last few days, is to achieve something very important that will mark the history of Sporting CP: The 'Tricampeonato.' It is the greatest motivation we have. We want to win the league again and be part of the club's history. It's natural that everyone wants to beat a winning team, and our group are the two-time champions. It's natural that there is this noise created around the champions, and our group feels it, like any other team would. Is it motivation? I believe that at some point, yes, it becomes part of it, because we keep hearing and reading things. In my teamtalks I don't use it much; I use more the fact that they are good, that they are the best."

The January transfer window
“If someone joins, it will be because everything is done in a well-structured and thoughtful way, always with a perspective for the future, and not because we have injuries or players at the African Cup of Nations. It’s natural that there’s more talk about the winger position because of Quenda’s injury and Geny’s absence, but the adaptations have been good and have provided solutions. I’m not worried. We’ll see what the market can offer us. It will be down to whether we have the capacity, think it’s the best time and it's someone who will immediately add something to the group. All these factors are important.”

President Frederico Varandas’ statements after the victory in Guimarães
“It was the president’s opinion, and I also already said what I had to say about that game [against CD Santa Clara]. The president told me right away on the plane, and I only saw the footage then. It’s always a matter of criteria; I’ve seen them be given and also not be given."

His happiest and most challenging days at Sporting CP
“I haven’t had any difficult days, only happy days. Even when I didn’t win or we lost a trophy, I was happy to be there competing and to be at Sporting CP. I’m very positive. It’s difficult to say just one happiest day. The day of the presentation is memorable for us, the coaching staff, and also the two days where we won trophies, because the title is the dream of any coach -and winning the cup, especially because my parents were in the stadium. I would say those three days.”

João Simões
“The biggest challenge is down to him. He is a very mature boy and this is also recognised by his colleagues, but he has a lot to do to grow. He is very focused, he knows he will make mistakes, but he is ready to make mistakes again and learn. He will have a bright future.”