Rui Borges' message to squad after Sporting-Arsenal revealed | OneFootball

Rui Borges left a clear message to the Sporting squad after the defeat to Arsenal: total focus on the trip to Reboleira to face Estrela da Amadora. The Sporting coach wants to avoid distractions at a decisive stage of the season, especially with the derby against Benfica on the horizon and the tie against the Gunners in between.

In recent weeks, the manager has been stressing publicly that the main objective remains the league title. Despite their European ambition, Rui Borges was direct: "Sporting will always want to be competitive in everything, but our Champions League is the league, that is beyond question. Our main objective will always be the league. In the Champions League, we will fight to keep doing something different".

With six matchdays left to play, the Lions are five points behind leaders Porto, although they have a game in hand against Tondela. Inside the dressing room, belief in a third straight league title remains strong, boosted by the Dragons' draw against Famalicão. At the same time, Benfica are closing in, sitting just two points behind Sporting, which increases the importance of the clash in Reboleira.

Taking all three points against Estrela da Amadora is seen as essential to maintain the gap over Benfica before the derby. Rui Borges, however, remains focused on the top of the table. "I only look ahead. I don't know how to be any other way. When I was at other clubs I used to say I'm in 6th, I want to be 5th; I'm in 5th, I want to be 4th. Now that I'm in 2nd, I want to be 1st", he said.

The final stretch of the season promises to be demanding for the Lions, who are still competing in three competitions. In addition to the league, Sporting are trying to turn things around against Arsenal in the Champions League and hold the advantage over Porto in the Portuguese Cup. In between, they will have to pick up points against Estrela da Amadora, Benfica, AFS SAD and Tondela to keep their title hopes alive.

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