Rui Borges: A draw feels too little despite few chances | OneFootball

Rui Borges, Sporting's coach, during the press conference after the draw at Estádio do Dragão against FC Porto:

Maintain Confidence Until the End

«Overall, we were the team that dominated the game more. We lacked aggression at times in seeking FC Porto's goal, but we always had the game under control. It was a game that was expectant at times, but with us on top. We started very well, wanting to have the ball and pushing FC Porto into their half, and we broke the opponent's pressure. Then FC Porto balanced the game, but we improved at the end of the first half and started the second half better. We lacked some aggression in the final third. In the only chance FC Porto had in the second half, they scored. They were fortunate and deserved it. Then we had to chase the result. We deserved the draw, which ends up being little, despite not creating great opportunities. But we were closer to FC Porto's goal than they were to ours.»

Team Adjusted for the Dragão

«It's natural that there is mutual respect, they are two great teams. We knew that in small details, if there were 10 seconds of distraction, either team could decide the game. We were very good in the offensive process and defended well to manage to nullify the opponent.»

Lack of Boldness in Sporting?

«I made changes when I thought it was necessary, but the boldness was there. We lost many connections because Luis (Suárez) was not at 100 percent. We had more approaches to the goal in the second half, and FC Porto, in their only real approach of danger, scored. We faced a team that is very strong defensively, the numbers show that. We have to give credit to the opponent for managing to nullify us at times.»

Point Earned

«It's a point in our journey. There are 13 games left, and they will be difficult for everyone. We want to have an extraordinary second half of the season because the first was good but not enough to be first. We have to do better.»

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