Rui Borges reassures Sporting fans about starter: just a scare | OneFootball

Rui Borges analyzed the match between Sporting and Estrela da Amadora from the 12th round of the Primeira Liga (4-0). In the press conference, the Portuguese coach reassured fans about Gonçalo Inácio’s physical condition and praised Hidemasa Morita and Eduardo Quaresma.

"It’s more of a headache because everyone is in good form. They’re dynamic and happy to play. Maybe no one expected Eduardo Quaresma to play, and he scored a goal and had a great game. I said before that Hidemasa Morita’s confidence and physical ability were growing; for me and for the team, he’s an above-average player. The affection shown demonstrates the unity of the group. They’ve done it for other players at other times, and today it was for Hidemasa Morita. The group understands well the importance he has, not just for his quality but also as a leader and a reference. The affection didn’t surprise me. I’m happy to see him grow," he began by saying.

Regarding Gonçalo Inácio, the coach was clear: "He’s fine, it was just a scare and nothing more than that," he pointed out, having also been asked about Ousmane Diomande staying on the bench: "These are choices. Just like João Simões, who has been playing great games."

Rui Borges highlighted the good atmosphere among the players at the moment: "There’s a good phase of confidence, but too much isn’t good either. Above all, the team is connected. (...) Our message gets through and the players believe. It couldn’t be better than that," he concluded.

In this start to the 2025/26 sports season, Gonçalo Inácio – valued at 45 million euros – is one of the pillars of Sporting. The green and white central defender already has 1,620 minutes in 18 games, in which he has managed to provide two assists for goals.

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