Can Mourinho sway refereeing in Sporting v Benfica? Rui Borges responds | OneFootball

Previewing Sporting - Benfica, Rui Borges was asked about José Mourinho’s remarks about Morten Hjulmand and the fact that, since then, the Lions’ captain has been shown more yellow cards in Portugal. The Sporting coach was asked whether such statements could influence refereeing.

"I want to believe not. We have the right to say what we want. Above all, I think he is a great referee, and being at the World Cup gives him that recognition. May he be up to the task, both he and the two teams. There is no influence. May it be a great spectacle," replied the Lions’ coach.

Next, journalists asked Rui Borges how he plans to 'nullify' Aursnes: "He's a good player. We have to be true to ourselves, I don’t focus on the individual side of each opposing player. More than the opponent, our identity comes first. Nothing changes our principles."

At this stage, Rui Borges’ men have 71 points and remain in second place in the league table. Porto (76) are in first place (with one more game played). Benfica, meanwhile, are third with 69, also having played one more match.

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