Mourinho’s jibe, Sporting doubts: all Rui Borges said | OneFootball

Rui Borges spoke to journalists in a press conference previewing Benfica - Sporting this Thursday, December 4th. The match is scheduled for next Friday at 8:15 PM, at Estádio da Luz. Read here everything the Lions’ coach had to say.

Sporting arrives at their best moment of the season

"Prepared? I believe so, that’s why I’m here. They looked and saw that we were ready to take on Sporting. Now, I’m far from what will be our peak. It’s a daily growth. Our understanding, our ability as coaches... I look at this game as I do any other. Whether it’s the best time or not, it is what it is. I don’t focus much on those nuances. I look at the path we’ve taken, which has been very positive and gradual in terms of confidence, energy, and quality of play. That’s what I value seeing and understanding in our team. I focus a lot on that. The game is at this stage, it is what it is, it’s worth what it’s worth, it’s worth 3 points. The difficulty is great, the respect is the same as in any game. Two great teams and, I believe, it will be a great match."

50 matches for Sporting

"From a personal point of view? The 50 matches are what they are. It’s a milestone, may there be many more. We’re always in a process of learning. The moment is whatever it has to be. We’re in a good phase and we want to continue and consolidate this growth, technically, tactically, and in terms of collective energy."

Game model for the derby

"We’re not going to stray from our game idea, but on the other side there’s a great team that will force us to be more balanced at times. But we won’t stray from what we want to implement. We want to be balanced at all times and we have to understand that tomorrow this will be very important. In the offensive and defensive process, understanding how we can neutralize the opponent’s strengths. Transitions, Benfica is very strong. When they win the ball in a medium block, well organized. Above all, I want my team to be able to be the best at all times. We’ll see if we can do it. I believe so, I see them confident, connected. Not overconfident, because that could be harmful, but they realize they’re growing and want to compete, to enjoy playing again. And that, as a coach, makes me calmer. But in the process... We’ll be the same. When we can’t have the ball as much, it’s because the opponent will be superior. And we have to be organized."

Differences in Benfica with José Mourinho

"I have exactly the same respect for mister José Mourinho and for mister Bruno Lage. I look at the team and the collective. Of course, according to each coach’s ideas. I believe that mister Mourinho, since he wasn’t the one who built the team, has adapted a bit to the players he has. I believe he’ll want to implement other ideas of his after the transfer window. These are all assumptions. But I look at the game as I have looked at all others. With respect for the opponent, for the coach, whom I’ve already said I admire a lot. But tomorrow it’s Sporting against Benfica and I’ll say it again: may it be a great game, with respect and well contested."

João Simões or Hidemasa Morita alongside Hjulmand?

"I still have to see what my pillow tells me tonight... Simões is in a great moment. It was a choice not to play him against Estrela, it was just a choice because of the opponent. He’s had great games, he’ll continue to have great games. Morita has been growing, Kochorashvili has also grown a lot and will have his space, opportunities to show his growth. I’m happy to see Simões and Morita in this upward form, just like Kochorashvili."

Sporting’s evolution

"In terms of offensive variability, it’s a totally different Sporting. More than the system, which people talked a lot about... It’s about giving more variability to our game, making us stronger in the offensive process. In the vast majority of games, we’ll be in that process. Teams are going to be harder and harder to beat, low blocks, lines of five. And the challenge was to understand the team, that we could be stronger. Of course, we can’t undervalue the other moments. The offensive variability is clear, but in other moments we’ve also improved a lot. In reaction to loss, in defensive transition. Also the balance. Within the variability we provide, maybe we’re more exposed than last season. And we have to be more rigorous, focused, a detail here or there in positional balance. And that’s also something we’ve been improving. That’s where I say the technical-tactical process has improved. Over these months. But I’d highlight the offensive variability, yes."

Are championships decided in the big games?

"It’s a bit subjective to answer that. Honestly, I don’t think so. Football is a game of consistency, whoever is more consistent... It’s no use winning the big games and not winning the others. The one who is more balanced and consistent will be champion. I don’t think the big games define it for me. And I don’t think the gap is getting bigger. I think teams in good moments make it seem that way. But I don’t believe those games decide championships. But do we really want to win tomorrow? We do. And that won’t dictate the outcome of the championship."

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