Heavy pitch, second-half changes and Pote: Rui Borges reacts | OneFootball

After the victory against Moreirense, by 3-0, Rui Borges, coach of Sporting, gave his thoughts on the triumph of the Alvalade Club in a press conference. The coach addressed the main differences between the first and second halves, the return to Moreira de Cónegos, the absence of Pote, and the "soft pitch".

Match Analysis

"The team's dynamic is the idea of our game, we don't stray from it. We knew it was a tough pitch, not in the best condition—I know the field, it was soft. But the team didn't shy away from wanting to play, from having quality, and from sticking to our game plan against a good team that, if we gave them space and time, would want to play. The fact that the fans made us feel at home was important for the win. It felt like we were playing at home, I only saw Sporting fans everywhere. It was important for the team to feel that energy from the start. This ambition transfers to us: whether we win 1-0 or 3-0, we managed to finish three times. Moreira had two dangerous chances after 2-0, but we took control of the game again. The story is Sporting from start to finish, thanks to our merit and the players', for the determination they showed."

Comfortable Victory

"A demonstration of the team's ambition, spirit, and mentality. Always. Whether we score in the 90th, 60th, or 10th minute, the mentality is always there. That's explicit. It makes me happy to look at them and see them happy and, above all, ambitious to win."

Improvements in the Second Half

"It was a tough game, at halftime it was 0-0. We controlled the ball, didn't let Moreirense get close with danger; they had only one chance, from a free kick. Other than that, we controlled the ball. Teams are defending better and better, with more players, they want the point. In the second half we started very well, maybe a bit more aggressive in the final third looking for the goal, and that led to the 3-0. It was deserved and we worked for it. The result is not even up for debate. The team didn't shy away from the game and the energy was always at the top. That was important against a great opponent."

Returning to Moreira de Cónegos

"Very special. I will always be grateful to Moreirense and everyone in the organization for giving me the opportunity to reach the 1st League. At the start of the season, we played against the three big teams, and in football, where coaches are often dismissed, that could have happened. Fortunately, we started well, even with very tough games. We had a great season, I felt at home. It's a very unique, very family-oriented club, and for everything they made me feel, for the friendship we have, my gratitude will always be there. It was important for the course of my career. As for it being 'easy', we made it easy. Even when winning 2-0, the team never gave up. That really shows the team's mentality and family spirit."

Pote and the Return of Fotis Ioannidis

"Pote is one more option. He has to be ready to play or not play, like anyone else. Within the game strategy, and depending on the opponent, we think about what will be best. We got better. Pote is different, whether he's at 100% or 70%, he can unbalance a team. We got stronger and happier to have all the options, it makes the group more lively. Everyone is ready to play. I'm happy to see Fotis back, he's a player who helps us a lot, different in his position. In terms of character and personality, he's exemplary and deserves to be with the group and the team."

Celebrations at the End of the Match

"I went to celebrate with my goddaughter, who brings me luck. I won again with her present. I told people she was there for my luck. I went to give a kiss to my nephew, my son, my wife, my brother-in-law, and my mother. My father suffers a lot, a kiss for him too. I went to give a kiss to the family. It's my nephew's first time at a stadium. It makes me happy."

Strategic Change

"The only difference is that Geny was dropping a bit into the back five and there was no need, we were playing 4-3 with the left-back high. Moreira was trying to play a 5-3-2 and gained superiority with their 8 and 6. We were trying to adjust so they wouldn't have references. Even so, we were strong and recovered most of the balls with the mid-high block. If we adjusted a bit, we'd be closer to making good compressions. They had the superiority of the 6, with two midfielders matching ours; Alanzinho tried to push Morita wide, which could have created a superiority we didn't want. But the intensity was so good that they couldn't connect their plays, hardly at all."

Fans sang 'three-time champions'...

"The fans... I have no words to describe them anymore. They made us feel at home, on a tough pitch where we've had difficulties in recent years. Today we didn't, and that's thanks to our fans. They made us feel at Alvalade. You can feel the energy and the players felt it and matched it with the quality of their play."

Is this a team looking to fulfill the fans' wishes?

"Clearly. The energy you feel in the Sporting family is unique. Everyone is in sync, on the same wavelength. The games are tough and we need them because the energy is very important. They know it and show it with every game."

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