The coach keeps the derby against SL Benfica in perspective

Sporting CP travel to the Estádio da Luz this Friday to face rivals SL Benfica on Liga Portugal Matchday 13. On 31 points and 28 points, respectively, both are chasing league leaders FC Porto (34) going into the derby, and coach Rui Borges talked of the importance of the game in his pre-match press conference.

Sporting CP's current excellent form
“I look at this game like any other. Whether it's the best moment of the season or not, it is what it is. I don't focus too much on that. The path we’ve been following has been very positive, gradually improving in confidence, energy and quality of play. We are growing and that's what I'm proud to see. The game comes in this phase and a win is worth three points -like any other contest. The level of difficulty is great and the level of respect is the same as always. It will be a great game between two teams. We are in good form and we want to continue to consolidate this growth.”

50 games in charge of Sporting CP
“It's a milestone and I hope to have many more. I believe I'm prepared, that's why I'm here. But I think I'm still far from our peak, because we understand that growth is daily in our ability as coaches.”

Being favourites in the derby
“As I said before our game against FC Porto, it’s 50/50, but perhaps there was a small percentage in our favour then because we were playing at home -and we ended up losing the game. In that sense, I believe that SL Benfica, playing at home, at a difficult ground and in a difficult environment, may have that slight advantage, but I think it’s evenly matched. Above all, may it be a great game and may we be the team we have been so far.”

Changes in the approach given the magnitude of the game
“We won’t stray from our game plan, but we’re up against is a great team, which will force us to be more balanced at times. We want to be a balanced team in all phases of the game, and we have been growing in that sense. Tomorrow not only the offensive process will be very important, but also the defensive process, to be organised to neutralise the opponent's strengths. SL Benfica are a very strong team in transition when they win the ball in a mid-block. Above all, I want my team to be better at all times. We'll see if we're capable of that, and I believe we are, because I see the team as confident and 'switched on'. We'll be true to ourselves and, when we can't keep possession as much, we have to be well organised.”

Differences due to the opposing coach now being José Mourinho
“I have the same respect for coach José Mourinho as I did for Bruno Lage. I look, above all, at the team and its collective. I believe that Mourinho, because he didn't build this team, has also adapted more to the players he has. But I look at this game in the same way I've looked at the others: with respect for the opponents and their coach. He's a great coach, whom I admire very much, as I've already said, but tomorrow is SL Benfica vs. Sporting CP, regardless of the coaches. Above all, may it be a great game, with great respect between us.”

Sporting CP’s form being better than that of SL Benfica
“It depends on the perspective, because if you look at SL Benfica, perhaps they are in their best form, with three consecutive victories. I look at my team and, within the idea and what I foresee, we are in a very good phase of maturation in terms of dynamics and collective play. For me, Sporting CP are growing, but I also think that SL Benfica are in good form. We also had difficulties winning away at CD Nacional. It’s very subjective. SL Benfica haven't lost domestically yet and at home they are difficult to beat. I believe that SL Benfica will want to win and will play intensely and press for most of the time.”

Comparison to the Supertaça
“I think it's different. We are four months on from that, there's a different coach for them and we are more mature and have grown in terms of our game plan. Although I think we played a good game in the Supertaça, even though we lost, I think we are better as a team, but we have to demonstrate that tomorrow on the pitch.”

The possibility of including Pedro Gonçalves in the starting XI
“Here, nobody has a direct spot in the lineup. It depends on what they demonstrate. Before Quenda arrived, we were already tough on ‘Pote’. We have been growing and what makes me happy is that the team continue to respond regardless of who plays. I couldn't ask for more.”

Fotis Ioannidis still in doubt
“He is still in doubt. I don't know if he will be called up. It may or may not happen.”

Impact of the match on the league standings
“I don’t think it will dictate anything in the outcome of the title. It’s a big game, and I understand why all this is happening, because both teams could be six points behind FC Porto or SL Benfica could be nine behind… I understand, but I don’t agree, because there’s still a lot of the season left to play. Last year we were eight points ahead and we lost the advantage. Football is very much about the moment and everything changes very quickly. There’s more than one game left, so in my mind this game doesn’t dictate what the outcome of the title will be. We really want to win, but it doesn’t dictate the outcome of the season.”

Doubt regarding the midfield choice between Hidemasa Morita or João Simões
“I still have to sleep on that today. Simões is in great form and it was simply a decision not to have him play in the game against CF Estrela da Amadora, considering the opponents. He has been having great games and will continue to do so. Morita has been improving and Giorgi Kochorashvili has grown immensely in his adaptation to the dynamics, the team and Sporting CP. He will have his space and opportunities to demonstrate it. I’m happy to see this growth in Simões, in Morita and also in Gio.”

Sporting CP's results in the 'big' games this season
"That doubt is something journalists create. I don't see anyone saying that Rui Borges didn't lose any of those games last year, except on penalties in the Taça da Liga. I could also respond with the results we've had in the Champions League, but I won't. It doesn't affect me at all. I already said when we lost to FC Porto; if we won all the other games, we could possibly be champions and I'd take that. What interests me is what the team have shown and what we can do now."

Tactical aspects in which Sporting CP have evolved the most
"I think in terms of offensive variability we are completely different, more so than the formation -that has been talked about so much (laughs). We've become stronger in the offensive process, because in the vast majority of games we have to give that response against increasingly difficult teams to beat. The challenge was to be stronger there, but without neglecting other aspects, where we have also grown. We have improved in our reaction to losing the ball and in our balance.”

The coach previews the cup encounter

The international break over, Sporting CP return to action in the Taça de Portugal this Saturday, playing AC Marinhense at home.

Ahead of the match, coach Rui Borges attended a press conference at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo to preview the meeting with the side from the Campeonato de Portugal -the fourth division.

The approach to the match against a lower-level opponent
“I am approaching the game with respect, despite their internal problems [a series of disciplinary issues and the dismissal of coach Rui Sacramento] and sporting issues [going four games without a win], because cup games are always different. I've been on the other side of the equation, at lower-tier clubs, and I know how motivating it is to face a big club, especially when it’s the champions. AC Marinhense will be committed to trying to make things difficult for us, but we must demand maximum commitment from ourselves, as well as concentration and a serious approach. We have to focus on what we can control, start strong and not let up, because that is the greatest respect we can have for the opposition.”

Places for Salvador Blopa and the returning internationals
“I never announce the starting XI ahead of time, and I won’t break that rule, but Blopa and Luis [Suárez] are in the squad for the game. Maxi Araújo isn’t, due to his suspension [he was sent off against CD Santa Clara]. With some limitations for one or two players, we’ll use the strongest side available.”

Focus on the upcoming games and not the next transfer window
“Very honestly, I’m not really thinking about the January transfer window, but rather the very intense month of games we have ahead of us. That’s my focus. We have important Champions League games that could determine our continuation in the competition, and important league games we want to come out of top of the table. Sporting CP have a very large and strong structure, so I’m very calm. I’m sure we’ll be prepared for the January transfer window. I’m happy with the squad we have and the response they have given.”

Injured players 'Pote', Ioannidis, and João Simões
“I think 'Pote's' recovery time is shorter; he could be fit in the next few days. Ioannidis' comeback could take longer, but I can't be precise about that. Simões is out of tomorrow's game.”

Alisson Santos being ready to take over from 'Pote'
“Pedro Gonçalves has had, perhaps, his best start to the season, and I hope he returns quickly. Alisson is prepared, as are others like Quenda, Geny, and Rodrigo [Ribeiro], who have been training in those positions. They are players who are prepared to respond. Since I arrived, we played with Quenda and Geny and we were crowned champions. This year we have Alisson, with different characteristics; he is still developing and has given a tremendous response. He may have his opportunity at some point.”

Rumours about Hidemasa Morita's departure
“He is a great player and is coming to the end of his contract, so it's natural that people talk about him in many places. I look at him and see that he has grown and is very happy on a day-to-day level. He is a player I admire a lot and I think he will help us a lot until the end of the season.”

Being careful with Morten Hjulmand’s minutes
“Tomorrow he won’t be playing, so we need to manage his situation. He’s a very important player and has had fantastic growth. He’s in very good form, and that’s evident in the team’s growth in recent games. Given his performances with the national team, we have opted to be a bit cautious with him, because there’s a very demanding month and a half of games coming up, and we need him at his best. He’s sad that he didn’t qualify directly for the World Cup with his national team, but he’s already focused on the demands of Sporting CP and then, at the right time, on the play-offs to be at the World Cup. He has a very positive and mature mentality, hence why he’s a captain despite being so young.”

The coach reflects on the 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille

After the 2-1 victory against Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave his thoughts on the match in a press conference.

The impact of Geny and Alisson's introductions on the victory
"It speaks volumes about the spirit of this team. I can't say it enough; we have a fabulous group. Quenda wasn't offering much directness in one-on-ones, and we wanted to push Olympique de Marseille back into their own box. We had to have that ability, so we tried bringing Geny in and pushing Maxi out wide. Then with Maxi tiring, we tried with Alisson on the left. We know what that entails. We knew we might have to resort to balls into the box as well, and with Fotis, we gained an extra man in the box.

The difficulties posed by the opponents and the team's response
"I’ll take away the fact that it’s another victory. I’m happy to have six points from three games, to have won against a great team, which really were a ten-man side tonight. They're a very dangerous team on the counterattack, very direct, and in the first half, we left them open three or four times and conceded a goal exactly like the one we conceded in Naples. We've been talking about this all week, but it's part of the team's growth. It has to serve as an example again. We didn't need to expose ourselves to this, but otherwise, the team complied with the tasks we had planned for the game. We still had a good first half, but we grew at the end with a different competitive spirit and doing better in the duels.

The importance of the victory at this stage
"We won a big Champions League game, but we weren't in a bad run of form. We won't always play well, but this team just gave a response. They are ambitious players who have already won a lot, but they still have a huge desire to win, and that's what they want to demonstrate. We want them to challenge themselves more and more, in order to get better."

A possible lack of inspiration
"My opinion is that Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves both had a great game. We didn't have the offensive flow we had against SC Braga. Aside from that, we're the team that produces the most and makes the most mistakes with our finishing -because we're the team that produce the most."

Six points giving more confidence about knockout stage qualification
"We still have many games ahead against great teams. We’ve faced the French league leaders and the Italian champions already, and the team gave a fantastic response."

Zeno Debast going off for Diomande
"I don't know exactly what Debast’s issue was. I still have to ask. Diomande is an important player, with different characteristics than those who played today from the start. I'm happy to see him back playing, and he could have even played from the start, but we were a little cautious."

Unity and harmony within the group
"The team spirit is fantastic and unique. I'm happy to be coaching Sporting CP. I won the title and the cup with this side, and we're in second place now, we're through in the cup, we have six points in the Champions League, and we're trying to qualify for the Taça da Liga Final Four. I'm comfortable with the criticism. I'm well aware of the confidence I have in me and that everyone who works at the Academy conveys to us. Above all, I'm a happy coach."

The coach looks ahead to the game against CD Nacional

Ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal’s trip to Madeira, where they will face CD Nacional on Saturday, coach Rui Borges talked to the media in a press conference.

CD Nacional
“On the last matchday, their opponents snatched a draw when playing with ten men, which ends up being motivating for their growth and belief. They are in a phase of adaptation, seeking to gain more and more consistency in their play. Five or six players from last season's starting lineup have left, and they are looking for a better dynamic.

Despite everything, they are quite a tough side at home. I've been there and I know firsthand what it's like to play at Choupana. It will always be difficult: Due to the weather, which we don't know what it will be like, the humidity, the heat... We have to be prepared for whatever we can control.

Last year, CD Nacional were the team with the sixth or seventh most shots on goal. They are very direct and will be highly motivated to face the reigning champions. For that reason alone, any team will be motivated -but we will be prepared too."

Rumours about Conrad Harder
"Sporting CP are a big club, with very capable departments, always prepared for the demands of daily life, and prepared for any departure. That means any departure. We had a wonderful season last year, and it's natural that clubs will come looking for our players at any time.

But, as I’ve said before, there are buyout clauses. If someone comes along, meets the clause, and the player wants to leave, we can't do anything other than be proactive in anticipating these situations.

We're prepared for any departure. My job, more than focusing on the transfer market, is to prepare the players for the game. I work at a big club, and if I were to focus on the transfer market, I wouldn't be coaching.

Harder is in the squad for tomorrow's game. Everyone wants to be a starter; it's natural. He's been working very well, working to play more and more, so we'll just have to wait and see what the coach decides."

Rumours about Morten Hjulmand
"It's natural that people talk about him too, but he's focused on Sporting CP. He's grown a lot, he's very important to our dynamic, he's our captain and leader, he's been named in the squad for tomorrow and will certainly have another good game.

In training, no player seems affected [by the rumours]. The response from all the players has been as expected: they show they're committed to training, the game, and the club. They're happy, as I've always felt, and they're a true family."

Injured players
"We're rushing to find out when and if we can have Ousmane Diomande and Maxi Araújo back. We want to have them available for the next few matches, but I can't say exactly when they'll be back."

Offensive set pieces
"There are several players who, technically speaking, have the ability to take set pieces, whatever they may be.

Pedro Gonçalves, [Francisco] Trincão, Zeno [Debast]... It depends on the shot, the moment, the inspiration of each player -which counts for a lot-, and the space on the pitch. But our players are great and capable of responding in any situation, whether from a set piece or not."

Opportunities for Rayan Lucas
"Rayan is a B team player. We see a lot of potential in him and believe he's a mature player who is capable, despite his young age, of helping the kids here. He's a national team player who should be playing for Brazil at the U-20 World Cup. He's a kid who likes to listen and learn and works very hard, but he's adapting to the demands of European football and Sporting CP.

He trains with us most of the time and has responded well. Despite his young age, he has a different level of maturity, is very humble, and I believe he could be important in the first team in the future, but he came here to help the B team. The idea is to help him become a first team player as well."

Integration of new signings and Vagiannidis' situation
"Everyone has responded to the need for a starting role. [Giorgios] Vagiannidis is growing, and he looks happy with his new situation. He stepped out of his comfort zone and has adapted very well, despite some shyness that's still noticeable -even on the pitch. He's trying to fully integrate into the dynamic and gain knowledge of his teammates, but he's prepared for any decision the manager makes. Everyone will start: Some today, others tomorrow.

He came on at halftime because Iván [Fresneda] was already on a yellow card, but both have responded very well, and they're two players who are prepared to be starters at any moment.”

The Sporting CP coach talks before the game against FC Arouca

The opening match at the renovated Estádio José Alvalade takes place for Sporting CP against FC Arouca this Sunday at 8:30 pm. Before the match, coach Rui Borges spoke about the Matchday 2 encounter in a press conference.

FC Arouca
"They are a team that have caused us problems at home in recent years due to their competitiveness, and their coach maintains a very positive approach to the game. They like to have the ball and be the protagonists, regardless of who they play against. They'll want to share possession and show their potential, especially since they're buoyed by a good win at home on Matchday 1. It's up to us to continue our growth and quality of play, gaining consistency physically, tactically, and technically. It will be a difficult game at the start of the season, but I believe it will be a very good one."

Sporting CP’s forward line
"Conrad [Harder] and [Luis] Suárez have already played. They both need to be ready to start. It's up to me to decide who plays based on the strategy, the opposition, and what each player can contribute to the team at any given moment. I talk to both of them about small details for their development. It's a natural process. Going forward, we'll get into a rhythm of playing games every three days, and my conversations with all the players are always focused on helping them, because we'll need everyone."

Team changes
“The principles are the same. The team know what the gameplan is. So, in their own way, each player can offer us different things. I'm happy to have so many solutions.”

The transfer market
“I'm focused on my team. It's natural for people to talk about our players. Big teams look for great players. It's up to me to keep them calm, and they know in advance what the plan is regarding possible departures. They have buyout clauses, and whoever wants to sign one of our players has to come to us with that in mind. I only care that they give us a fantastic response; they are increasingly connected, and that's what's important. In the two official games we’ve played, the team gave a clear demonstration of our day-to-day work. They are ambitious and eager to win. Everyone is laser-focused on making their contribution. I'm very pragmatic and focus on what I can control.”

Possibly using Geovany Quenda
"[Geovany] Quenda and Geny [Catamo] are very similar in terms of what they offer me individually. Geny is a little more mature, but Quenda has been training really well, waiting for an opportunity. It hurts me to always leave someone out, because the team have been responding very well, but it's part of the process and they understand. In a few days, as I said, we'll happily be playing every three days -it's a sign that we're in all the competitions we want to play in-, which gives everyone the opportunity to demonstrate what they're capable of and help the team."

Differences between Casa Pia AC and FC Arouca
"I don't see it as a more difficult match. We were the ones who made the game easier against Casa Pia AC, as we didn't let them be the team they usually are. We were the ones who neutralised the opponent's qualities. Tomorrow we will be up against a different opponent. They were the seventh best in terms of possession last season, and all of Vasco Seabra's teams play very well. It will be an even contest. I believe, above all, that our team will be capable of bringing the same energy and, in this way, we will neutralise the opponents at every point in the game."

The new turf at the stadium
“The pitch has looked good to us. I'm happy with the changes they've made; the stadium is increasingly incredible and demonstrates the club's growth in every area, not only in terms of the sporting project but also structurally. It will be great to return to Alvalade, playing in front of our fans, who I believe are as eager to return as we are. They will certainly create a special atmosphere, as always. I know they will be out in force to support us in a stadium that truly represents the greatness of the club.”

The full acquisition of Francisco Trincão
“He has always given me a response that is at 200%. He's an extraordinary player, and I've said that several times. He was one of the players who surprised me most positively when I came here. I believe this full acquisition by Sporting CP was important for him, although he feels every day what he represents for the club, his teammates, and the coaches. It will help him feel even more of this desire to have him with us. He is motivated and focused, just like the whole group.”

Sporting CP kick off the league season with a visit to Casa Pia AC on Friday (8:15 p.m.)

The start of the 2025/26 league season has arrived, with the match between Sporting CP and Casa Pia AC at the Estádio Municipal Rio Maior kicking off proceedings. On the eve of the opening match, coach Rui Borges spoke in a press conference on Thursday to preview the encounter.

The atmosphere ahead of Matchday 1
"The team are doing well; this was a week of good work and hard training. There was a very good commitment and response after we failed to win the Supertaça. We have good energy and a good feeling ahead of the game."

The recent signings of Georgios Vagiannidis and Ricardo Mangas
"They are two solutions for the fullback positions. Both were players we had already identified -the coaching staff and the club. They add value to the squad, enabling us to compete in the competitions we're taking part in. We want to have more and more solutions."

Analysis of Casa Pia AC
"This Casa Pia AC side have maintained a very strong backbone to the team and have well-defined principles. They only lost five home games last season and took points from SL Benfica and SC Braga, for example. They're coming off their best season ever, so they're a highly motivated team. They're also quite well balanced, because whilst they don't score many goals, they also don't concede many. They're competitive and well-organised, which reflects their coach. They're playing at home against the league champions at the start of the season, and they're motivated, so we have to be aware that it's going to be a tough game. We can't go into the game thinking that, because we're champions, sooner or later we'll score and come away with the three points."

The chance of reinforcements getting a start
"Luís Suárez has worked hard to play, as has Harder. They dedicated themselves to training and to the strategic demands of the club. They are two good solutions, with different characteristics, and depending on what we think is best, we'll see who plays. Suárez came into the SL Benfica game having not played any training matches. He came in very well and has performed very well, as did Giorgi [Kochorashvili]. He came off a very demanding season and we had to be careful with him due to the long and difficult season he had at UD Levante. Both have performed very well on a daily basis, and now they just have to wait for the coach to give them opportunities. Mangas has already played official games in Russia, and Vagiannidis has played in European competitions."

Renewed ambition for 2025/2026
"I don't think there's any risk of complacency. All the coaches in the league want players with that hunger. Regarding the second title and the double: We deserved it, but the players must be aware that it's in the past. Although we didn't emerge victorious from the Supertaça, I think we demonstrated what we want for this season. They showed their desire to win, their enormous ambition, so I'm calm. I believe in the group's ability and, above all, in the response they've given."

The importance of starting the season with a win
"It's extremely important to instill confidence in the group and start things positively. We are all aware of that, but also that we'll face a team motivated by the fact they are playing against Sporting CP, at home, and what they were able to do last season. We're well aware that it will be increasingly difficult to win, given everything this group was able to overcome, but we have to find ways to ensure that hunger we talked about remains constant. What matters now is the present, and now we're on a level playing field with everyone else. We have to do a lot to win, maybe double what we did last season.”

The options in central defence
“Solutions exist, and we have to respond. It's going to be a long season, with many different games and competitions, fortunately, and we have to be prepared and come up with increasingly better solutions. It's with this in mind that we've been bringing in players, and we have a squad with five centre backs and Matheus Reis, who's also been playing at fullback. There are players who offer a variety of solutions, and Edu [Quaresma] is one of them. Last year, at times, he was a centre back with the ball and a fullback without it. He's a kid with a lot of potential and offers us different solutions than what we have on the wings and also at center back. Above all, I'm happy with the squad and the solutions we have."

Confidence in Geovany Quenda
"He's been responding fantastically, and in this early stage of the season, he's doing very well -unlike at the end of last season, when he dropped off a bit. Now he's doing very well and is also waiting for an opportunity. In the last game, he came in at left back because Maxi [Araújo] had to come off. We didn't have clear options there, we were losing, and we tried to take a risk with Quenda. I believe he'll have a great season at Sporting CP."

New ideas
"Criticism is part of the game. It's very subjective to talk about the formation, because if you look at the game, some things change and others don't. The formation is just a start; after that, it's a matter of giving the team mobility. The intention here is to improve. We lost a standout player from these last two years [Viktor Gyökeres], and we have to reinvent ourselves with each passing year. We want to add something different, to get better, but without giving up on who we were before."

Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança's recovery
"They are progressing within their allotted timeframes and the severity of their injuries. It's a difficult battle, but they are natural fighters and show enormous joy every day. It makes me very happy to see their ambition and desire to return as soon as possible."

Sporting CP host Gil Vicente FC on Sunday (8:30pm)

Back at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting Clube de Portugal face Gil Vicente FC this Sunday in the antepenultimate matchday of the Liga Portugal season.

On the eve of the match, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to look at the vital game for the team's title challenge.

Focusing exclusively on Gil Vicente FC
“We always look only at the next game. There’s no point in looking to the future or the past. We’re focusing on Gil Vicente FC, a team who have won their last two games without conceding a goal, are motivated and have almost guaranteed their place in the top flight for next season. They’re coming into the game calm, scoring more goals away from home and haven’t lost in their last three road games. We have to be alert, serious and focused, which is what we’ve been doing in the last few games. We’ve grown at every level and now we want to keep that up -and always demand a little more.”

Morten Hjulmand being one yellow card away from a suspension
“Morten and Matheus [Reis] have been talked about a lot during this week, because they will be ‘in the running’ for the derby and are called up for this game. That’s all I can say. They are in the squad and available. I’m not going to say which team I will field, because I’ve never said that. It’s a decision that’s up to us, as a coaching staff. We’re going to try to compete and win the game, regardless of who plays. We’re talking about Sporting CP players, who are aware of what they can and cannot do and who they are.”

A draw guaranteeing Gil Vicente FC's survival
“Above all, I believe that Gil Vicente FC will come here to play the game calmly. Their coach [César Peixoto] has said several times that he likes attractive football, so they are a team who like to play and have the ball. They are certain to stay up. They need a point to achieve that mathematically, but they have practically achieved it already. I think they are a team that come into this one without that pressure and we have to look at what Gil Vicente FC have been like before. Defensively they have been more cohesive and we have to find a way to overcome that barrier, regardless of whether it is a medium, low or high block.

Not yet looking to the derby
“In the coach’s mind, there’s only Gil Vicente FC, and in the players’ minds I believe that is the case as weel. That’s the response they’ve given. It’s all up to us, and the most important game is the one against Gil Vicente FC. If we’re focused on the future, it’s going to cost us dearly. At the moment, every game is decisive.”

Possible options for the game
“I will think about tomorrow’s game and, above all, about the confidence I have in the group. There are players who are returning, like Morita and ‘Pote’, who are important and are only getting better at the moment. They are players I trust and who we also need. Of course, we look at everything and it is important to look at all the factors that exist in a game. There is internal communication and we will make the best decision for tomorrow’s game. I'm completely calm, because we will play with 11 players. Back in the first game we played in Barcelos, we had Zeno [Debast] and [Alexandre] Brito in midfield and we won.

The importance of goal difference in a possible title tiebreaker
“It could be decisive, but in my mind it’s about winning, because that way we won’t need the goal difference. It would only depend on us.”

The “good energy” at the club
“The team are focused, are thinking about Gil Vicente FC, are motivated and have great energy. This is felt in the game, along with the energy that our fans have given us. I never tire of saying that they have been fantastic. Tomorrow, Alvalade will be sold out and I hope that the support will be the same as it has been up to now.”

The team host Moreirense FC this Friday at Estádio José Alvalade

Sporting Coach Rui Borges previewed his side's Friday night fixture against Moreirense FC in a pre-match press conference, and called upon the fans to continue their support in the final stretch of the season.

The impact of the supporters
"It's very important and I made a point of emphasising this at the end of the game against CD Santa Clara. The massive support from the fans has been the same since we arrived. They make us believe and we want them to believe as much as we do. We really believe in ourselves and the players convey this on the pitch, regardless of the difficulty of each game. We have immense belief, a huge ambition to be champions, and I ask the fans to come out and create a fantastic 'wave of green' in these five remaining games."

The return of Hidemasa Morita
"Morita is out of the game against Moreirense FC, but he will still be important in the final stretch. He is important on the pitch and is making his contribution, despite all the problems he has had. We need him and he will be back very soon. He wants to recover as quickly as possible and is very motivated to be able to help in the upcoming games. He is very important for the team and a player I admire a lot."

A possible starting role for Pedro Gonçalves
"I wish I could have Pedro Gonçalves 100% fit, but he was out for five months. Everything is sore for him except the pain from the injury, because he is in 'preseason,' let's say. We have to be careful and his return requires individual fitness work on his part. He is still far away from being a starter, but I believe we will be racing against time and that he will still be very important in this final stretch of the season. He's tired but he's given his all, he's focused and wants to help, he believes that the team will be happy in the end and he wants to contribute to that. He is available to help at any time. That makes me happy."

Controversy regarding refereeing and the game against Moreirense FC
"The Sporting CP coach is focused on what he controls, which is the game. Moreirense FC beat Sporting CP and FC Porto at home, drew with SL Benfica, and had a great game at Estádio da Luz as well. They are a very competitive, well-organised team, who have had their own routines for some years now. They are very calm in defence and competent in attack, and their coach works very well on set pieces. We have to be prepared. I owe a lot to the club I'm going to face, because they opened the doors for me in the Primeira Liga. I know most of the players and we will be focused on transitions and set pieces, if they exist for the opponents. In attack, we have to understand what we can explore within our individual and collective quality."

The ban for Conrad Harder
"The player celebrated a victory with our fans, without provoking anyone. The referee made the decision he did and I believe it will be reversed, because the footage is clear. If we don't celebrate, football becomes apathetic, but we are prepared to go into the game with or without Conrad."

Criticism of the performance of the title contenders
"When things don't go as we want, we put others down. We really want to be champions, and so do the fans, and we will celebrate with all due merit if that happens. It will be more than deserved for everything the group has overcome and will continue to overcome until the end of the season. They really deserve to be happy."

Five important games
"We'll take it one game at a time; there is no futurology and no easy games. We will focus on what we control and go into each game with the desire, ambition and will that we have shown. There are competitive teams that want to steal points from the big teams."

The motto for the final stretch of the season
"Luck is about hard work and that's why I say: "Whoever is most competent until the end will be champions." We know all the difficulties that lie ahead, but the ambition and belief that the team have demonstrated, despite sometimes less successful performances... the players are incredible and really deserve to be happy. The fans have spoken for us: "We don't need slogans for the final stretch, we need you to believe as much as we do and to be connected with us."

Alisson Santos' integration
"He has been training a lot with the first team, and he is growing and adapting to the demands of Sporting CP. He is a kid we believe in a lot, he has a lot of potential and characteristics that we like. He is going through a period of adaptation, understanding the size of the club and getting to know his teammates. He has provided a very good response. He wins duels, is powerful and will have his growth. I have no doubt he will be a player you hear a lot about."

Sporting CP host SC Braga this Monday at 8:45 pm local time

Sporting Clube de Portugal have a Monday fixture against SC Braga on Liga Portugal Matchday 28, and coach Rui Borges spoke to the media ahead of the game.

SC Braga
"I think we will encounter the best SC Braga side of the season; a team who have grown in confidence and form. In the last ten games, they have eight wins, one draw and one defeat, and have only two away defeats this season. They are the team that, after Sporting CP, I think, get the most points away from home. They have been growing in the last few games, have been able to bring back in some important players, and you can clearly notice the difference in terms of their confidence and quality. Therefore, we expect a strong SC Braga, who want to win and are motivated. However, above all we'll see a Sporting CP who are very confident and with a very competitive attitude. I believe it will be a good game between two great teams, with both sides wanting to win. We will have to be very competitive, as we have been."

The game between FC Porto and SL Benfica putting pressure on Sporting CP
"The pressure has been there for a long time. It comes with trying to win the remaining games, one by one. That's our pressure, to win and become champions. It is only down to us and there couldn't be better pressure for us. None of us care about the other results. Our total focus is on our game, which will be difficult, against a great team."

Missed scoring opportunities
"It's natural for you to question things, but I don't worry about any of that. We have scored several goals and created a lot of chances in the last few games. It's normal that sometimes we don't manage to score so many goals, but I'm happy with the team's attitude, how they are intense and are creating goalscoring situations. If that wasn't the case, I would be worried. It happens with other teams too; no one wins that easily and there aren't easy games. I feel the team growing at every moment of the game and that makes me confident for the matches we have left this season.”

The most important matchday in this final stretch of the season
"There will still be a Clássico, a game between first and second, whoever it is, in the penultimate round of fixtures. It's an important matchday with good games, and everyone can drop points, but I'm just focused on our game. Don't expect me to say that I want any one side to win, I just want to win our game. That's what I can control. And if we're competitive, like I said, it's still up to us. The most important game is ours. If we win, we are first, whatever happens. I'm not going to talk about the opponents. For them the most important game will be theirs and for us ours. We only depend on ourselves, so our game is the most important."

What Zeno Debast gives in midfield
"He adds what he has added already. He is a dynamic player, he has grown, he is better, more intense and aggressive and he will give us that thing that his technical quality gives us. Everyone recognises that and he feels confident because of that. He will grow a lot and do well as a midfielder, but I will never forget that he is centre back, even though he is available, confident and does things very well".

Pedro Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita's availability
“The forecast for Pote remains a ten-day period, which I had already said, and Morita is out of the game.”

The coach talks before Liga Portugal Matchday 27

Rui Borges spoke to the media ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal's return to action, which takes place on Saturday away to CF Estrela da Amadora.

CF Estrela Amadora's league position
"There are no easy games. Football is increasingly more difficult and demanding. We will face a team that need points, that will give their all for points, at a smaller stadium, with fervent fans. I believe that our travelling fans will also make us feel as if we were playing at home, as has been the case the season, but it will be a difficult game against a team that are playing at home and at a difficult ground for all teams -especially the big ones. Estrela are a very athletic team, strong on their quick attacks and on transitions, and they look for set pieces a lot. They are also dangerous from long balls, and on a defensive level I believe that they will want to be pressing at times and at others play in a lower block."

Sporting CP's fitness after international commitments
"It's difficult to say. We had 15 days off, but we didn't train the same because, unfortunately or fortunately, Sporting CP have a lot of players in the national teams -both senior and Under-21s, who play a lot of minutes. It was very difficult to work; we only had the whole team together today, but I believe the team will give a good response."

Reduced options in midfield
"It's nothing new. Since we arrived, there have been a lot of setbacks and we have to be able to fight against them and find ways to be competitive and honour the club we represent. Morten Hjulmand won't be available and Hidemasa Morita won't be either. We have the players who have already played: Zeno Debast and Ricardo Esgaio. It won't stray too far from there, as that's what has happened in the past. Whoever plays will give a good response and will be able to help the team in the best way."

Pedro Gonçalves' possible return
"I really wanted to have Pote, Dani Bragança and everyone else back, but it's not possible. Pote is already in the final part of his recovery, and he's working on the pitch and with the ball, but he's not training with the team yet. All I can do is wait and get the ok from the medical team. He has to go through all the processes, and he's going through them well. Let's see if it's the next game or not that he's back: it's very much day-to-day and a question of passing all the medical tests. I believe his return is coming soon, because he's already in that final stretch."

Jeremiah St. Juste's fitness
"He's 100 percent fit and available to play, but him not doing so has been down to the coach's choices. He's doing well, training well and he's another solution that we have. Since I arrived, he's had a lot of games and that shows the confidence we have in him. He just didn't play when he was injured, but he was almost always a solution."

Eduardo Quaresma's starting role
"Debast must play as a midfielder because we have no other solutions. He has played very well as a midfielder, but he is adapting to the position. For Zeno to step up, someone will have to play as a midfielder, like Esgaio, St. Juste or Quaresma. Fortunately, for that position I have more options than normal, but whoever plays, I will be comfortable."

Managing Gonçalo Inácio's fitness
"We have to be careful with him. He played a lot of minutes for the national team, as did others, but in this final stretch the most important thing is to understand what is best for the team and not expose the team to problems -and be as competitive as possible. It is what it is. Everyone wants to help. If we have to make an extra effort, we will have to do so, because the most important thing is to reach the end of the season and get what we want."

No room for error
"The final stretch will be difficult for everyone. The difficulty will be great and all the teams will have difficult games, whether at home or away. Whoever is the most competent will be champion and, therefore, I always say that we have to be competent, but I'm not thinking further ahead than tomorrow's game, trying to be competent, winning, getting three more points and remaining in first place. It will always be like this, until the end."

Francisco Trincão attracting interest from other clubs
"Trincão was already attractive to the market and, before he went away with the national team, I made a point of talking about him. He has done a spectacular job and was one of the players I was most surprised by. His quality is recognised by everyone, but what he works for, what he gives to the team and his commitment have been phenomenal. Maybe his work in the last few games at Sporting CP was not valued much because he didn't score a goal, and now he scored two for the national team, but Trincão was the same for the national team as he is at Sporting CP. He has been very important for us, I'm happy with the two goals for Portugal, and he deserves it."