Rui Borges: one European loss, Sporting boss eyes unbeaten run | OneFootball

Rui Borges does not expect an easy match between Sporting and Kairat. Despite being a lesser-valued opponent, the coach attributed great merit to the Kazakh team and reminded that a historic European football club like Celtic could not beat the Almaty team. The coach - who confirmed the return of an injured player - has only one defeat in European games (against Dortmund) and wants the record to remain that way.

"Regardless of the opponent's debut in the Champions, they are here with all the merit. If we look at the opponent they faced to enter the league phase, it was an opponent we faced in the pre-season and where we had great difficulties. Celtic was unable to score in both games, Kairat had more opportunities with less ball possession," he began saying at the press conference.

Kairat has had a positive start to the championship: "It is the league leader, already has 33 games under its belt and has the least beaten defense. It clearly shows the difficulties we will face tomorrow. I strongly believe that the players are aware of the difficulties, regardless of the name of the opponent."

Rui Borges recalled his record in international games: "I have 10 wins and two draws for the Conference League. I had no international defeat before arriving at Sporting. What the short journey speaks for us. Different phases, different moments. Always look to the present and not to the past and want to win like any other game, whether championship or Cup. The ambition is always the same, it is huge," he assured.

The coach is aware of the responsibility of representing a badge like Sporting's: "We know well the Club we represent" and what we want to do and we want to win. We know that we will face great opponents and we really want to enjoy the game. We grow by facing the best," the lions' coach concluded.

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