Porto tactics slammed by Sporting stalwart: Feels like last century | OneFootball

Rui Borges was questioned this Saturday, February 14th, about the controversies surrounding the Porto - Sporting match, from the 21st round of the championship, which ended in a draw (1-1). The issue of the locker room, ball boys, and goalkeeper Rui Silva's towels dominated the debate.

"As a coach, I stick to what I've said. I think we, and you on that side as well, should value the players, the teams, our game, football much more. Regardless of it not being a great game in terms of goals... The game has many nuances. But I also agree that some things that happened should not be downplayed".

The coach criticized the practices of the dragons: "It seems like we're going back to the last century, and no. We are in 2026 and that should not be downplayed. But I won't get into that fight. I am much more focused on trying to value football itself, the players from both teams. There are great players on the field and we have to value those who play football and make it such a spectacular sport".

He then analyzed the match: "Two great teams, two very competent teams. Some things we could have done differently. But after watching... I think we played a very competent game, we played against the best defense in the championship. I think mister Farioli said that at the end of the game, but putting 11 players to defend their area... I think he was referring to Porto. And that's why it's noticeable as the best defense. Could we have done more? We could, but after watching the footage, we can always see things differently. But never due to a lack of ambition".

Rui Borges also emphasized that he played to win: "Sometimes we can't. There are two teams, 11 players on each side, good coaches on both sides... But the ambition and the will to win are what drive us to win at any minute. This clearly shows the character and personality of the team. We want to do better, but if it's always at 90'+6, there's no problem. We want to win. I understand the cardiac part of the people, mine too, but that's why football is so spectacular. The emotions created around a game are enormous and not everyone can handle them. The team's spirit is well marked, and they are ambitious and born champions".

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