The coach reviews the 1-1 draw with FC Porto

After the 1-1 draw for Sporting CP away at FC Porto, coach Rui Borges reviewed the game in his post-match press conference -beginning by highlighting the two different halves experienced at the Estádio do Dragão.

“In the first half we were better at all times. FC Porto only had two chances, due to our losing the ball. We controlled the game with and without the ball and deservedly led the way. Then, in the second half we didn't start very well, we lost confidence and in terms of energy we also dropped off,”, he reflected.

"Knowing that we were going to be playing with a lower block, we tried to adjust to shorten the width and avoid crosses. FC Porto had some approaches, but we were competent and the best opportunities in the second half were for us, through Quenda and Harder. We could have made it 0-2, we didn't and we ended up being in that low block until the end. We lost our discipline in the last five minutes and were punished with the equaliser. Despite everything, we deserved to have left here with the three points.”

Borges explained the changes he attempted in a second half that demanded more from the team in defensive terms.

“It's natural that FC Porto, losing 0-1, would be more intense and aggressive. We tried to adjust to be more capable in defensive terms, because it was putting more strain on the line of four. As the team responded, without the same intensity, we moved to a structure of five at the back that the team are used to. I don't believe we hindered ourselves, because even though they were closer to our goal, we could have made it 0-2. Credit also to FC Porto for believing until the end," he highlighted.

On Gyökeres' return, he commented that “He has been sidelined, and even though he is a competitive animal we have to take some care with him. The fans want it and I also wanted to have Gyökeres for 90 minutes. For now it is not possible. He started well, as did Morita. I' happy to be able to use them, albeit still with some caution, but it is what it is," he noted.

Regarding the forced departure of João Simões, Borges considered that “this is part of the game. It seems like a knock, rather than anything serious. We ended up losing a window for substitutions, but the team responded well. What makes me most upset is us losing our cool at the end and having two players sent off."

The coach speaks after the draw with Bologna FC 1909

Rui Borges reacted to Sporting Clube de Portugal's 1-1 draw with Bologna FC 1909, which took his side into the playoff for the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.

"Above all, for the club it means a lot, due to what the UEFA Champions League represents -even more so in the first year with this format. I'm happy for the collective objective achieved, but that's all. Now it's time to focus on Liga Portugal and the next game," he told the media after the match with the italians.

"It was a difficult game, but we already knew that it would be. We knew it would be a game of duels, intensity and mobility. The fear for us was about the physical side, and we had to have tactical nous too. The strategy was to have Simões and Quenda on for the second half, regardless of the scoreline, and it ended up working. We were not very proactive in the first half and we talked about it at halftime; we felt more dynamic and we managed to equalise," he said.

"We could have finished chances better, but we weren't able to. Bologna FC 1909 were happy off a set piece, but that wasn't the tone of the game."

Regarding the injury problems within the squad, Borges admitted that there are "many players who are not 100%.

"Today we did it our way. I'm happy with what the team gave. It's been difficult to manage because we need everyone to be fit, but we have to be prepared. I'm very positive, I take whoever is available and they will do well in response," he continued.

"The accumulation of games doesn't worry me, but of course we would have liked to have more time to train and improve. However, when I came to Sporting CP I already knew that I wouldn't have that, because we are in the UEFA Champions League. The players have been fantastic and they have given a superb response. I am lucky to have very intelligent players, who are trying to do some things even without training as much as we would like," he added.

Reinforcing that the focus "has to be on SC Farense, a team in need of points and that will make life difficult for Sporting CP with a medium-low block" on Sunday, Rui Borges also spoke about João Simões, who came on in the second half and assisted for Conrad Harder's goal.

"He has above-average maturity. He will have a bright future. He has a passion that is needed within a collective, like Pedro Gonçalves and Nuno Santos. These players are necessary and, in a different way, João Simões also has that passion. At 18 years old, he is a leader and is very communicative, attentive and hardworking."

The coach reflects philosophically on the Taça da Liga defeat

Rui Borges reflected on the Taça da Liga final that Sporting CP lost on penalties to SL Benfica, and considered that his side were the better team.

“It was an evenly balanced game, with a more dynamic first half in terms of goals and in the second half more play in midfield. In the first half, where there were more opportunities, the best chances were ours. Therefore, despite the final result, I'm satisfied with what the team did and I leave here calm, with the certainty that we will be very strong over the next few months. The fact that we haven't won the Taça da Liga is because there is something better saved for us. I think that overall we were the better side, and they were happier with it going to penalties," he explained.

“Would it be different without so many players out? I wanted to have everyone, but I'm not complaining and the team were able to put on a good performance and be intense. They only lost on penalties, where SL Benfica's goalkeeper ended up being more adept. As I said, I couldn’t be more satisfied and at ease with what the team are producing,” he said.

Rui Borges reiterated that this result cannot affect his side.

“The impact of this game has to be just one night. Now we have to rest and think that we have a game next weekend, which will be difficult, but if we have the same attitude as we have been showing, the future will be bright”.

“I'm very positive about my path forward. I really believe that things happen for a reason and, as I said, if we don't win it's because something better awaits us. If we behave as we have, with this competitive side, this dedication and ambition, the future will be bright. The players really want to be champions and today they demonstrated all the ambition they have.”

Borges also spoke about Francisco Trincão, praising the Portuguese international and saying that he doesn't have to feel down about his missed penalty.

“It was him today, and it could have been someone else. He has already given a lot to Sporting CP and will continue to do so. You have to lift your head up again and follow the path.”

The coach looks ahead to the Taça da Liga final

This Saturday, Sporting Clube de Portugal play SL Benfica in the Taça da Liga, and coach Rui Borges spoke about the challenge ahead in a pre-match press conference.

“I'm happy to be in the final, no matter who the opponents are, and very focused on ourselves. As for the changes at SL Benfica, the main principles do not change. There will be changes to individual characteristics, which will add some details to the team, but the idea does not change. We are prepared for whatever SL Benfica may or may not implement in the game, offensively and defensively," he stated.

"I believe there may be one or two changes in relation to their last game, despite their having enjoyed a beautiful game against SC Braga, but, more than that, it is important to prepare our team for the demands of the match. We have had a few days to work, a few days to recover and a lot of players were fatigued, so we will have to be careful, but the team are in good form and will give a good response."

“I don’t believe 100% that they play with the same team as in the semifinal, but we will be prepared for what SL Benfica may want from the game, which is to come in strong, just like they did against SC Braga. We have to be prepared for this and much more focused on what we can control as a team.”

With Hidemasa Morita out due to injury, the coach did not reveal who will play in midfield, saying that this will not change anything.

“We play with eleven players and I never dwell on difficulties, but rather I look for solutions. We will be competitive, we will be a good team, we will maintain the courage we have had and we will have a good game, regardless of whether we play Simões, Brito or others who have already played there. It’s up to me to find solutions, especially because we have other players, and I know that we will be competitive -regardless of who plays," he explained, before saying that Gonçalo Inácio "is one of the possibilities."

Sporting CP have several players out injured or fatigued, but Borges commented that “I don't focus on that. The team is tired, and that's part of football, especially because some players are carrying injuries, and we run the risk of losing even more of them, but we can't get attached to that. We are in a final, we are at a big club and the demand must always be to give our best. If we always do our best, whether tired or not, there are no advantages. The game is 11 against 11 and we have to do our best. If we do our best we will be competitive and we will win.”

“Because it’s a final, you can’t be tired. The desire to win and add trophies to the club's history must overcome any physical or mental fatigue. When the game starts, I believe the team will be prepared and will give a good response”, he added.