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

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

"It's more of a headache because they are all in good form. They are dynamic and happy playing. 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; he is an above-average player for me and for the team. The affection shown demonstrates the group's unity. They have done it with other players at other times, and today it was with Hidemasa Morita. The group understands well the importance he has, not only for his quality but also as a leader and 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: "There's nothing wrong, it was just a scare and nothing more than that," he pointed out, having been questioned 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 is a good phase of confidence, but in excess, it is also not good. 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 of the 2025/26 sports season, Gonçalo Inácio - valued at 45 million euros - is one of the pillars of Sporting. The central defender in green and white has already accumulated 1,620 minutes in 18 games, in which he has managed to make two assists for goals.

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