Suárez fit again, Zalazar struggling: Rui Borges on Sporting | OneFootball

Rui Borges previewed, this Tuesday, the match between Sporting and Galatasaray, corresponding to the first matchday of the Champions League league phase. The Lions' coach addressed several topics, from the objective for the European competition to Rodrigo Zalazar's situation, as well as Luis Suárez, João Simões, Moncef Zekri and the absence of Victor Osimhen.

Objective in the Champions League

"The objective is to be there and maintain the team's presence, represent Sporting in the best possible way and beat Galatasaray. Our Champions League will always be the league."

Going even further in the Champions League

Rui Borges: "Nobody can answer that in that way, because it is very subjective. The Champions League... We can lose to a team that, theoretically, would be weaker, and then go on to beat the European champions. The Champions League has the best teams from each country, with a lot of individual and collective quality. It's a competition where half a mistake can lead to us conceding a goal, and we were an example of that last season, right in the first few games. We had great matches and, from small mistakes, we were always conceding goals. It's a difficult, different competition, one that everyone wants to play in. Despite having had quite a few changes, this is a super-motivated team ready to take on this great challenge. My objective is to beat Galatasaray. It has always been like that. It's the first match, and I'm happy it's at our home. That doesn't mean it will be easier, but for a young team, it's important to feel the affection and energy of the fans so that we feel even more motivated."

Moncef Zekri

"It has to do with individual work we've been doing with him. Even today I read that he was the fourth option, almost the fifth... He was always the first option. We had six left-backs we looked at; it was our decision. It took us some time because he was coming off a minor injury and, within that, at this early stage... He's fine, he isn't injured, but we're doing very specific individual work with him. He has to be patient so we can count on him at 200%, not 100%."

Galatasaray's difficulties away from home

Rui Borges: "They are different seasons... There are always different players coming in. Above all, it is a team with Champions League experience. This is their 29th participation in the Champions League, which clearly shows their experience in the competition; they are champions of their country, they have a lot of individual quality within the collective, they are very competitive, they want to dominate, be offensive and react well because they have many players close to the ball. It's a very strong team in the attacking phase and experienced in the competition itself. It's up to us to focus on ourselves and start in the best way. It's good to start at home, regardless of whether we had a great Champions League campaign at Alvalade. These are different years, with different teams and different players. The team is super motivated to begin this journey, with many young players, many new to the competition and a lot of ambition. There will be mistakes, but above all, the ambition and desire to begin a competition that is a dream for everyone will lead us to react to them throughout the matches, with stronger growth and unshakable confidence throughout the group, which will be capable of producing a Champions League campaign in the image of the club we represent."

Rodrigo Zalazar below expectations

Rui Borges: "We expect more from him and from any of the others. Zalazar was a player with a very high price tag, but I don't look at him that way. He comes with a different dynamic from Braga and is getting to know his new teammates. All of that takes time. I have no doubt he will score those 16 goals again, and I've been putting that pressure on him."

Luis Suárez "rehabilitated"

Rui Borges: "I'm a bit confused by the question. Rehabilitated? It sounds like prison... It's not an issue."

Assessment of the signings

Rui Borges: "As for performing more or less, everyone has an opinion and everyone is a coach. We are very happy with all the players' performances, including those who were already here. We are super confident. We want to continue the growth we've shown in recent years and compete with them and show that we are the best too."

Important to start picking up points now

Rui Borges: "I don't have much experience, but I know that in the Champions League there are no favorites. Last year we played PSG, who were champions and went on to be champions again, and they lost at Alvalade. Maybe 1% thought that would happen."

João Simões' condition

Rui Borges: "We are very happy, he is recovering, but he is still not an option for this match."

Victor Osimhen out

Rui Borges: "We didn't prepare in a different way, because Galatasaray are a very strong team in the attacking phase and super competitive. Of course Osimhen is a very strong player, but they have many options. The important thing is for us to be at our best."

Bodo/Glimt candidates for best club of the year at the Ballon d'Or

Rui Borges: "For us, it was a great season, and regardless of not being nominated, we were recognized for what we were capable of doing. Bodo/Glimt beat several favorites and that only adds value to what we did, including eliminating Bodo/Glimt."

Sporting score more long-range goals

Rui Borges: "Above all, we are prepared for any moment of the game, whether in the attacking phase, in organization, in transition or on the counterattack, which will lead to that happening at some moments, not least because Galatasaray are a very offensive team. We are prepared, whether to face a high Galatasaray and break out in attacking transition, or to face a deeper Galatasaray, where we may or may not take more shots from outside the box or be able to attack the box with more players. We are prepared for any moment of the game."

Favoritism

Rui Borges: "I can't talk about favorites. I can't assume, with two matches to be played, who would be more favored. Just as the atmosphere in Istanbul would be difficult, and we know what it's like to play there, I also believe ours will be very positive for Sporting, so that we can overcome a great team with experience in this competition. We know Galatasaray's value. It's good to play at home and have our fans with us, passing on that positive energy, especially because our team is young, with many players playing in the Champions League for the first time, and it is important to feel that affection from the fans."

Rui Silva was chosen to preview Sporting's Champions League debut against Galatasaray. The 32-year-old goalkeeper addressed the demands of the challenge, the difficulties felt by the team at the start of the season, the so-called "growing pains," a possible departure and even Luis Suárez's situation.

Last year, Alvalade was a fortress:

"We go into it with great desire and huge ambition. Last year we set the bar very high; we are aware of the demands, but we want to go as far as possible.

Was there or wasn't there unrest between the squad and Luis Suárez

"A lot is said, but we are calm. There was no problem at all, he is the same Luis as always, he is happy with us and that's the Luis we want."

Was there an apology

"No, nor did he have to. That's why we have a structure led by the manager - who did what he had to do. As teammates, we are here to help. We know the commitment he shows day to day."

Priority to the league?

"They are different competitions. Playing in the Champions League, the demands are high, it takes more out of you, but we have a quality squad, a deep one... It doesn't have much to do with the league, because last year, by reaching the quarter-finals, we got the same number of points as in the year we were back-to-back champions."

Debast and Inácio

"I like playing with our four center-backs, very competent... Obviously they are good on the ball, but the most important thing is not to concede goals."

A less positive start

"I experienced that naturally. I already have a long journey behind me and I have experience. I've already been through more difficult situations in my career. I respond with work. We had an atypical start to the season, also because those who went to the World Cup - and this is not an excuse - ended up having a different integration."

Reception for Rafael Leão

"He came through Sporting's academy. I don't know much more; the way the subject was approached, how he left... He has a lot of quality and we have to be prepared for him. I hope he is received in the best possible way."

"Regarding Palhinha, I'm not the best person to explain anything at all. Regarding Leão, yes, I can speak. He is an excellent player. I like him a lot as a person too. He is a national-team teammate and, without a doubt, a great player. He has shown that in recent years. I haven't had the chance to speak to him yet; I will tomorrow. But I am prepared for Rafael's quality."

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