Tonel warns Rui Borges before Sporting v Porto: He won't let you play | OneFootball

Tonel gave his preview of the match between Sporting and Porto, issuing some warnings to the team managed by Rui Borges

27 Aug 2025 | 08:29 |

Tonel issued some warnings to Rui Borges' team as the match against Porto approaches, which is taking place this Saturday, August 30, and is valid for the fourth round of the Liga Portugal Betclic. The former Sporting player talked about some weaknesses of the lions and commented on the rumors related to Gonçalo Inácio.

"It surprises me to have a team with a new coach, so many new players and already seem very mature on the field. It knows how to be on the field, it doesn't let the opponent play, it always commits more fouls, it is rarely caught in transitions. It doesn't allow counter-attacks, it kills a lot of game in midfield. It understands the moments of the game in a very advanced way considering that there is so much new", he began by saying, in statements to Rádio Renascença.

Next, Tonel analyzed the recent games of the Alvalade Club: "The Sporting has been putting on good performances, in the game with Nacional I noticed some weaknesses in defensive set-pieces, but it compensated with offensive quality. It's a routined and mature team that is also doing very well".

"It's the first time it faces a team of its level, it's the most difficult game it will have so far. It's a triple game, Sporting plays at home and has that factor in its favor", continued Tonel, to close the topic of the Classic.

To conclude, the former central defender addressed the news that reports of a possible 'attack' coming from Saudi Arabia for Gonçalo Inácio: "It would be important [to keep at Sporting], because as time goes by, he asserts himself as a leader on the field. There are deals that you can't say no to. Unless they hit the clause, Sporting should always try to hold him".

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.