Rui Borges fires major warning to Pote ahead of Benfica v Sporting | OneFootball

Pote is fit for the derby between Sporting and Benfica, however, Rui Borges did not want to guarantee that the ‘number 8’ will be in the starting lineup for the Lions’ visit to Estádio da Luz. In the match preview, the coach of the green and whites left a warning for the player.

“No one here has a guaranteed spot; it depends on what they show every day and what they demonstrate to the coaches. Sporting was already incisive with Pote as well,” the Lions’ coach began in response about the player – who may be limited to 60 minutes of play – then recalling the evolution of his team.

“Sporting has been growing collectively and that makes me happy, the team continues to respond. And that, for me, is a sign that the message is getting across, is being received, and they really believe in it. I couldn’t ask for more,” emphasized Rui Borges.

This season, wearing Sporting’s shirt, Pedro Gonçalves – valued at 30 million euros – has already played 18 games: 12 in Liga Portugal, four in the Champions League, one in the Portuguese Cup, and another in the Super Cup. During the 1,424 minutes he has played, the Lions’ ‘number 8’ has already scored nine goals and provided six assists.

Sporting will be back on the pitch next Friday, December 5, against Benfica. The match, part of the 13th round of Liga Portugal Betclic, against the team led by José Mourinho, will be played at 8:15 p.m. at Estádio da Luz.

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