Inácio injury, contract talks, Benfica: Rui Borges on Sporting’s win | OneFootball

After Sporting’s triumph at Athletic Bilbao’s home by 3-2, which secured qualification for the round of 16 of the Champions League, Rui Borges analyzed the match at the press conference at San Mamés Stadium. The coach was questioned about the injury to Gonçalo Inácio, the possible contract renewal, and the match between Benfica and Real Madrid.

"It’s extraordinary to look at the standings and see Sporting’s name among the big sharks who qualified directly. It’s a source of pride for the whole Club and for our fans, who stayed at home and suffered a lot with us. The energy we feel from them is very important and this dedication is for them. We achieved a historic and beautiful goal that will be remembered by Sporting CP and the country. There are no words to describe the pride I feel for the group, the team, and the players."

Match analysis

"We were conditioned in the way we expected, honestly. I don’t agree that it was one of the worst first halves of the season. We had difficulties connecting our play, missed many passes, and didn’t have the right energy. We were slow to make decisions, lost balls, and didn’t attack the depth enough. (…) We can’t concede that second goal in this competition, we can’t stop and wait for a foul at this level. In the second half, the introductions of Eduardo Quaresma, Pedro Gonçalves, and Hidemasa Morita were very important. We corrected one or two things in our build-up and the team understood what needed to be done. We improved and grew. We had a great second half and I don’t remember any danger created by Athletic Club. We were more competitive in the first and second balls, as well as in the duels. We got into our game and we really deserved this victory.

We showed personality from start to finish, but we lacked proactivity with the ball. It was a very intense team and we knew that. They’re strong at pressing and we were slow to make decisions. We were somewhat stuck in our decision-making, even without the ball. I don’t know if it was because we conceded a goal early on in a great atmosphere, one of the best I’ve ever experienced. (…) We improved simple things in the second half, within our game idea, and the substitutions worked well. Morita is important because he doesn’t hide, he looks for the game and came in very well. Pote is above average, an extraordinary player, and the team is different with him. Ousmane Diomande was having a great game and Edu matched him. I’m happy to feel everyone connected and willing to help the team. That’s the great virtue of this team. They feel important, their teammates trust them. Alisson Santos came in very well because he’s given us that in these games. He’s extraordinary in that sense. He needs to grow in other areas, but in the UEFA Champions League he’s been extraordinary."

Performance of Portuguese teams in the Champions League

"I’m happy because it helps our country’s performance in European competitions. I hope the teams in the UEFA Europa League also qualify. It’s important for everyone."

Contract renewal

"I’m not thinking about that. I have a contract, I’m not worried."

Financial prize resulting from direct qualification

"What guides me is doing the best for Sporting. It’s never been money that drives me, but the passion I have for football."

Games won at the end of the match

"It’s the ambition of the team, the friendship, and the respect they have for each other. It was the collective that brought us here and won today’s game. It’s a family. Their ambition is huge, infinite. They never get tired of winning and they’re not happy when we win and don’t play as well. They’re not satisfied just by winning."

Players who came off the bench

"Pote makes everyone better, but it wasn’t just him. Morita and Edu were important. The introduction of all three was important. Morten Hjulmand, Luis Suárez, and Francisco Trincão also improved, but it wasn’t just thanks to Pote. The three [who came on] were important."

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