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

After the victory against Estoril by 3-0, Rui Borges, coach of Sporting, analyzed 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 next opponent of the lions in the Champions League.

The offensive production and the performance displayed

“It's the merit 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 create discomfort for Estoril Praia, which is a team with quality in the offensive process. We were proactive in the reaction to losing possession and with the ball, we were very dynamic, with a lot of positional variability and with quality we reached finishing areas and scored two goals by attacking the back of the opponent's line. We had a great first half. In the second, we missed many passes and allowed Estoril Praia to gain confidence, having more possession in our midfield. Still, we remained very focused. The central duo played a great game and I think Gonçalo Inácio had one of his best games. We managed to stay connected and also managed to break out, creating real danger. Then, the guys who came in gave us calm and extra energy. A second half more about control without the ball, a first with the ball, but a very competent game on our part.”

“He didn't come in because he didn't feel a hundred percent. So, we opted not to expose him to anything and, in some way, manage him.”

Bodø/Glimt on the path of the UEFA Champions League

“It's a great team and has beaten big teams in Europe. Anyone who thinks the draw was good for us is mistaken. It's a very competitive, intense team that will create many problems for us. If they are 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 for the Cup and Braga for the League, two games that will demand a lot from us and we will have to be prepared for them.”

João Simões losing space?

“Simões even came in before Dani today. It has a lot to do with moments, strategies, the opponent... Morita had a stunning first half and start of the second. João has also played great games. It has to do with the moment and the strategy, he hasn't lost any place. On the contrary, this makes the team stronger, with everyone at a very high level. Today he came in and came in very well, Simões. Dani came in afterward. Happy, above all, to have all three. Dani is growing in terms of confidence and is gaining the physical part, because the technical quality and vision of the game are out of the ordinary. Happy for gaining that confidence by scoring goals, mainly.”

Third goal constructed 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 seems simple, is simple for him. It makes me laugh because I wish I had him at a hundred percent. He is different, but he is aware that the break was long and needs time to be the best Nuno. Very happy to have both on the field, because they are always necessary players on the pitch.”

Has Luis Suárez already made Gyokeres forgotten?

“I have already said that I only think about those I have. He has 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 has been important in the team, but he is a reflection of the collective.”

The response of Luis Guilherme in his early days at the Club

“There are no indisputable players, but his adaptation has been very good. He has responded to what is asked, has adapted to the idea, and is increasingly identified with Sporting. It seems to me that he is a kid with a fantastic future ahead, but he will have to continue working hard because he is in a team full of great players.”

About Porto's victory against Arouca

“I am focused on what we control, on our game, only and only. We did our part, we won and that's how we have to continue. I won't talk about refereeing, nor did I see the penalty incident.”

Game plan for this match

“Variability is our image. Not letting opponents be comfortable in marking. We knew that Estoril Praia would press somewhat, it's a team that plays well and, offensively, has an identity similar to ours. We played a good first half, but we had difficulties on the left in marking. We felt it was important to connect further and then enter facing the game with the line coming from behind. As the game went on, we realized that when Luis dropped, the defensive line of GD Estoril Praia stopped and did not follow the bursts of the second lines. Sometimes we can anticipate these things, other times we understand them during the game.”

Sporting in a better moment for the Portuguese Cup classic?

“Games are difficult for everyone. It has nothing to do with a phase, but with the opponents and the points at stake. The demand is maximum in all games and with Porto, it will be no different. It will be a great game between the two teams that are ahead in the Championship. It's the first game of two, for sure, but we really want to continue in the competition and defend our title. We will face the team that is in first place, so it is in a good phase, it is a sign that it is the strongest.”

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