Rui Borges hails Sporting rival’s new signing, one of the best ever | OneFootball

Minutes before the start of the match between Sporting and Kairat Almaty, Rui Borges gave a preview of the game. The coach wants to secure his first victory in his career in the Champions League and commented on José Mourinho's arrival in Portugal to represent Benfica, noting that he is "one of the best in football history".

"For me, it will be challenging to face José Mourinho, one of the best coaches in football history. He marked a generation and also influenced me. Having him in the National Championship only enhances and elevates the Portuguese League," emphasized Rui Borges.

José Mourinho signed a contract until the end of the 2026/2027 season, with the option, ten days after the last match of the current season (2025/2026), to not continue the contract, according to the statement sent to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).

Rui Borges also addressed Pote's physical condition: "He's fine, that's why he's playing. He can contribute," revealed the coach, before talking about the decision to play Fotis Ioannidis and Luis Suárez together in the last match against Famalicão: "It was already planned before the goal. We managed to put another man in the finishing position, without losing creativity or straying from our style of play," he explained.

At the moment, the green and white club sits in second place in the league table, with 12 points, tied with Moreirense and three behind Porto (15), who lead, while Famalicão occupies fourth place with 10. Benfica is sixth (10, but with one game less).

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