Rui Borges on Porto v Sporting: star quality, fitness, draw | OneFootball

Rui Borges addressed Sporting’s draw against Porto, one goal each, in a press conference at Estádio do Dragão. The coach admitted that Luis Suárez had some physical issues that limited him during the match and spoke about the ‘champion’s luck’.

Happy with the draw?

“I’m not happy, I wanted to win. I understand, the game was more cautious on both sides, but we were better in every aspect. The draw, for me, is not enough, let alone a defeat.”

Match analysis

“Overall, during the 90 minutes, we were a more balanced team and controlled the game. At times, we lacked a bit more aggression in going after Porto’s goal, but we always had the game well under control. I think it was a cautious game from both sides at certain moments.”

“In the opening minutes, we started very well, with the ball, trying to push Porto back, and we clearly managed to break their pressure. Then Porto grew into the game and balanced things out. We improved again towards the end of the first half and, in the second, we started better. With personality, wanting to play, but we lacked aggression in the final third.”

“I think the draw ends up being little, even though we didn’t create many big chances. We were closer to Porto’s goal than the other way around. I’m very proud of what the team was able to do.”

Luis Suárez limited

“He wasn’t at 100%, he played the whole second half with physical problems. But he wanted to contribute, he wanted to keep going. And it’s a good thing, because he ended up scoring the goal. It took away some of the pressing ability we had planned, but we stayed well organized.”

“It’s not an excuse, but we lost a lot of connections because he wasn’t at 100%. And you can tell, because of everything he brings to the team. But we knew that, even so, he was an important player. And here and there we lacked the ability to link up in the final third. Over time, we managed to create some situations.”

‘Champion’s luck’

“Usually these are always close games. As for the ‘champion’s luck’, only if it’s my grandfather, thank God. Other than that, we’re the team with the most attacks, most goals scored, most actions in the opponent’s box...”

“It’s natural that, at any moment, we can score a goal. Whether it’s in the first or last minute. That’s how it is. We score goals because we create and spend more time in the opponent’s box than others. And we’re closer to making it happen.”

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