Key Highlights
- Rui Borges predicts a difficult match against GD Estoril-Praia.
- Borges expresses optimism about the UEFA Champions League draw.
- The coach is focused on managing his squad during this demanding period of the season.
- Several player updates and availability concerns are discussed, including Luís Guilherme’s role and Zeno Debast’s return.
Rui Borges: A Season in Review
The Sporting CP coach is a seasoned veteran of the Portuguese football scene. His pre-match press conference offers insight into his mindset going into an important fixture against GD Estoril-Praia on Friday night.
A Difficult Match Ahead
“I think it’s going to be one of the most difficult games we’ll have this season,” Borges stated. “We’re playing against a good team, a side who are very dynamic in their offensive processes.”
Borges highlighted Estoril-Praia’s strengths: “They have some things that are similar to us in terms of its idea, with a lot of positional variability. They like to have the ball, to be very dynamic, with good players in terms of decision-making, especially in their offensive actions.” Despite acknowledging potential imbalances, Borges believes this game will expose his team to new challenges.
Champions League Optimism
Borges is content that Sporting CP has advanced directly into the Round of 16. “Above all, I’m happy that we went directly into the Round of 16, which took away some of the burden on our fixture list,” he said.
His focus remains on the league and maintaining a strong performance: “We know we are playing catch-up, because we are in second place. We want to be first and, to be first, we have to do our part.” Borges expressed determination: “Our ambition is enormous.”
Squad Management and Player Availability
Borges is aware of the importance of having all players available during this critical phase of the season. “It’s important to have all the players available so that we can rotate at times, even during the game,” he noted.
He addressed specific player updates: “Giorgi Kochorashvili and Ricardo Mangas are out due to discomfort, while Fotis Ioannidis is a doubt. Luís Guilherme has an over 70% completion rate passing and dribbling, making him an integral part of the team.” Zeno Debast’s return to training was also discussed: “He’s not going to be in the squad, because he only returned a few days ago to training at 100% with the team, but he’s ready to help from now on.”
Looking Ahead
Borges is focused solely on GD Estoril-Praia: “I’m not even talking about the game against FC Porto with anyone, much less with the players. We have to see it as the most difficult game we will have now.” His team’s preparation and mindset are key: “We want to be first, so winning is essential.”
