Rui Borges: Star unlikely for Benfica-Sporting derby | OneFootball

At the end of Sporting's victory over Estrela da Amadora by 4-0, Rui Borges attended the press conference at the Artur Agostinho Auditorium. The coach analyzed the comfortable triumph of the lions and does not believe that Fotis Ioannidis will recover in time for the derby.

"A game that leaves me very satisfied. The team was connected from start to finish, with a lot of dynamics and quality in both defensive and offensive processes. They did this throughout the entire game, always wanting to play. The ball wasn't stopped for long, and that's very important for us. We scored four goals with great merit and could have scored more. We didn't allow them to create, we were very good at nullifying the opponent. Happy with the team's response," he began by saying.

Regarding the next game, the coach believes in securing the three points: "It's the same as the others, sure, but it has a greater difficulty. We are going to face our rival, at their home, in a difficult environment and against a great team. Regardless of any result, it won't define the championship, but we really want to win. There are many points to play for," he said, speaking about the Greek forward: "I can't say. I believe it's very difficult for him to be in the derby, to be honest."

Rui Borges left a message for the fans: "I thank you for the support you have given since last season. It's important to feel this affection. The energy today was a bit different, it was felt more. At times, it even gave me goosebumps. It helps us surpass our limits, to seek more. I only ask for that energy and that you continue to give that support. And to believe, because that's what led us to become two-time champions and achieve the double. When things don't go so well, we need that support even more. We will do our best and we will do our best in the next game."

The coach reveals he is fully satisfied with his players' performance in recent games: "We managed to put on a good display with everyone connected. The hardest part is not connecting them against great teams, but against teams that, theoretically, are not as strong. Eduardo Quaresma and Hidemasa Morita played a beautiful game, more headaches for the coach. There's a very strong family feeling, and it shows at times. When players come in who perhaps weren't expected, the response they give makes me even happier. I'm happy to reach 50 games and win at home. It was a good victory and a great performance. Seeing the team play with passion makes me very happy. I feel the team is confident, motivated. They want big games and will certainly respond. They have great ambition, and I am super calm about what may happen in the derby or during the month of December," he pointed out.

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