Rui Borges: Facing league leaders FC Porto, they’re the strongest side | OneFootball

What was the reason Pedro Gonçalves didn't play? Was he rested for the match against FC Porto? “Pote didn't play because he wasn't feeling 100%, we chose to manage him, not to expose him, there was no need. It was due to physical management. He has been training and was on the bench. We felt there was no need to expose him to any risk.”

Did you see FC Porto's penalty? Can controversial refereeing decisions make it difficult for Sporting in the quest for the championship? “I'm only concerned with what we control, our games. We made our own path and that's how we have to continue. We'll see what we're capable of achieving. I don't talk about refereeing. I didn't even see it.”

Is it the best time to beat FC Porto or are they the favorites? “The games are difficult for everyone. We won five or six in a row near the 90'. Teams are more capable of facing and delaying the goals of the big teams. Football is very competitive, there are no easy teams like before. They are the ones leading, it's the first half, we really want to continue in the Cup and defend a title that is ours, but it's the team that is first in the championship and that means they are the strongest.”

Will Ioannidis be an option? “I can't be sure if Ioannidis will be able to play. He will be in doubt.”

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