Rui Borges says the substitute is mad about Sporting and ready to start | OneFootball

In the preview of Sporting - Moreirense, Rui Borges praised João Simões and explained the roles of Kochorashvili and Debast.

Sporting and Moreirense face each other in the sixth round of the National Championship. Asked about the options for the midfield, Rui Borges explained the situation of João Simões, the rise in form of Giorgi Kochorashvili, and the position of Zeno Debast, also revealing three injured starters.

"Regarding Simões, he is as prepared to be a starter as Kochorashvili. They are options. He is a kid who has been working very well and, like Quenda, has a different mentality, which is why he has been part of the main team for quite some time. He has maturity and focus above average, I don't need to be a psychologist because he is a focused kid who is passionate and loves Sporting unconditionally, and I see that every moment whether he is on the field or not," said the coach.

Rui Borges assured that the 'number 52' "lives every minute intensely," praising the midfielder trained at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy: "I think he has maturity above normal, he will be a natural leader and will have his opportunities, whether with less time or as a starter."

"Regarding Kochorashvili, it's natural, he comes from a different context of demand and the game of Sporting. He is trying to understand his teammates and the team well, but within what he has managed, he has improved. He likes to listen, ask questions, and gradually, he will adapt and contribute his best qualities to the team. Perhaps, if we make comparisons, we see Morita... But Morita has been playing for two consecutive years with Hjulmand, the connection is seamless. It takes time, it's part of the process, but I am happy with what he has achieved. Gradually, he will improve, for sure," he stated.

To conclude, the Sporting coach clarified Debast's situation: "Zeno moved into the midfield, so he can also be a solution, as he was last season, and we became champions in that sense. I am happy to have this capability in a young player who is growing very well."

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