Pote absent, Porto penalty, Bodo/Glimt: Rui Borges on Sporting v Estoril | OneFootball

After the victory against Estoril by 3-0, Rui Borges, coach of Sporting, gave his analysis of the triumph of the Alvalade club in a press conference. The coach explained the absence of Pedro Gonçalves, was questioned about the controversial penalty awarded to Porto, and analyzed Bodo/Glimt, the Lions' next opponent in the Champions League.

The offensive production and the performance delivered

“It’s the result of the team’s work, the coaches, and the structure. There were two different halves. We started very well, strong, because it was important to make Estoril Praia uncomfortable, as they are a team with quality in their offensive process. We were proactive in our reaction to losing the ball and, with the ball, we were very dynamic, with a lot of positional variety and quality, reaching finishing areas and scoring two goals by attacking the space behind the opponent’s line. We had a great first half. In the second, we missed a lot of passes and allowed Estoril Praia to gain confidence, having more possession in our half. Even so, we stayed very focused. The central defensive pair played a great game and I think Gonçalo Inácio had one of his best games. We managed to stay connected and were able to break out as well, creating real danger. Then, the guys who came on gave us calm and extra energy. The second half was more about control without the ball, the first half with the ball, but overall a very competent game from us.”

“He didn’t play because he didn’t feel one hundred percent. So, we chose not to expose him to anything and, in a way, to manage him.”

Bodø/Glimt on the road to the UEFA Champions League

“They are a great team and have beaten big teams in Europe. Anyone who thinks the draw was good for us is mistaken. They are a very competitive, intense team and will cause us many problems. If they’re in the round of 16, it’s because they have a lot of quality and have beaten big teams. Until then, we still have Porto in the Cup and Braga in the League, two games that will demand a lot from us and we’ll have to be prepared for them.”

João Simões losing his place?

“Simões actually came on before Dani today. It has a lot to do with moments, strategies, the opponent... Morita had an outstanding first half and start to the second. João has also had great games. It’s about the moment and the strategy, he hasn’t lost his place at all. On the contrary, it makes the team stronger, with everyone at a very high level. Today he came on and did very well, Simões. Dani came on after. Above all, I’m happy to have all three. Dani is growing in confidence and is gaining physically, because his technical quality and vision of the game are extraordinary. Happy that he’s gaining confidence by scoring goals, especially.”

Third goal built by Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança

“I felt that, unfortunately, life brings injuries. I wish they hadn’t gone through that. Nuno’s decision is phenomenal. Dani did an exceptional job on the goal, in the threat and the finish, but Nuno’s pass, which looks simple, is only simple for him. It makes me want to laugh because I wish I had him at one hundred percent. He is different, but he’s aware that the break was long and he needs time to be the best Nuno. Very happy to have both on the pitch, because they are always necessary players on the field.”

Has Luis Suárez already made people forget Gyokeres?

“I’ve already said I only think about those I have. He’s had a great season and scored two goals, but lost more balls than usual. Not everything is perfect, but he played a good game. He’s been important to the team, but he is a reflection of the collective.”

Luis Guilherme’s response in his early days at the Club

“There are no undisputed starters, but his adaptation has been very good. He’s delivered what’s been asked, has adapted to the idea, and is increasingly identified with Sporting. It seems to me he’s a kid with a fantastic future ahead, but he’ll have to keep working hard because he’s in a team full of great players.”

About Porto’s victory against Arouca

“I’m focused on what we control, on our game, nothing else. We did our job, we won, and that’s how we have to continue. I won’t talk about refereeing, I didn’t even see the penalty incident.”

Game plan for this match

“Variability is our trademark. Not letting opponents get comfortable with their marking. We knew Estoril Praia would press a bit, they’re a team that plays well and, offensively, have an identity similar to ours. We had a good first half, but had difficulties on the left with marking. We felt it was important to connect further up and then come at the game head-on with the line coming from behind. As the game went on, we realized that when Luis dropped back, GD Estoril Praia’s defensive line stopped and didn’t follow the runs from the second line. Sometimes we can anticipate these things, other times we understand them during the game.”

“Games are tough for everyone. It’s not about a phase, but about the opponents and the points at stake. The demands are maximum in every game and it will be no different with Porto. It will be a great game between the two teams at the top of the league. It’s the first of two games, for sure, but we really want to stay in the competition and defend our title. We’re facing the team that’s in first place, so they’re in a good moment, which means they’re the strongest right now.”

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