Sporting player linked with exit praised by Rui Borges: happy for him | OneFootball

Sporting thrashed Estrela da Amadora (4-0) and achieved their fourth consecutive victory in the Betclic League. After the match, Rui Borges was very pleased with his players' performance and stated that the team needs Hidemasa Morita - who has been linked with a departure - to be at his best.

"A game we controlled from start to finish. We scored four goals, we could have scored one or two more. Highlighting the team's energy from the first to the last minute, they tried not to lower the intensity. It's natural to drop at some moments given the initial effort, but the team was completely connected, dynamic, very proactive in losing possession, we didn't even let Estrela approach with danger. The energy from inside and outside, and from the stands was extraordinary, thank you for that phenomenal support. It's important for the team to feel that energy to also feel it longer during the game," he began by highlighting.

The coach explained the choice to start Eduardo Quaresma and Hidemasa Morita: "Another game without conceding, four more scored. The team is very connected, they understand each other well, increasingly within the dynamics with each other. A game with a lot of quality in offensive and tactical terms. Whether to swap or not another player... Today Edu and Morita came in, they both played a great game, another headache. Everyone is waiting for an opportunity, everyone knows the collective idea and what they have to do. Happy for the great game from both and for feeling the group totally connected. They respect each other a lot and help me a lot as a coach. Happy with everyone's response," he told SportTV.

The coach also spoke about the heartfelt embrace from Luis Suárez to Hidemasa Morita after the 4-0: "For me, it's natural. For me and for everyone, everyone knows what Morita can bring to the team. It was an important assist to boost confidence levels, he played the full 90 minutes. He has improved and I'm happy to see him at his best, we need his best. He is an important player for the group and that is clearly identified. He is recognized for having a different ability within the collective and it is natural for him to feel that affection. The group is a family and not just with him. Above all, it shows well what the unity of this team is," he said.

Rui Borges was also asked if he thought about the derby with Benfica: "The only moment was with Maxi's yellow card. We didn't take that risk and opted to take him off at halftime, to be as honest as possible. Matheus came in very well, continues to respond. Whoever plays, everyone knows what they have to do. That was the only moment I thought about the game ahead, with Maxi's exit."

The Lions' coach believes in three points at Luz: "It's another one, it's the next. Difficult, against a rival, away, in a tough environment, but we will try to do our best as we have done so far. Try to win, that's the goal and the demand we have before us and before this great club. Facing a great team, at their home. It will be difficult, but let it be a great football match and may we win, which is our goal," he concluded.

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