Rui Borges says Sporting’s battler is a doubt for Rio Ave clash | OneFootball

Maxi Araújo is doubtful for the Sporting - Rio Ave match. This was revealed by Rui Borges at the press conference previewing the 16th round clash of Liga Portugal Betclic. The coach also confirmed that Zeno Debast and Daniel Bragança will not be able to contribute, in addition to giving a fitting response to José Mourinho.

"He's a bit under the weather. As for Debast and Daniel Bragança, no. They are in the process of reaching their best level. Debast is still not with the group. Dani is in the normal process of evolving to reach his best physical form and also his confidence. At the right moment, he will provide that solution, both him and Zeno. But not just yet," he began, speaking about João Simões' progress over the past year.

"The biggest challenge is his. I've spoken about him several times. He's a very mature kid in what he does, for his age on the field. Little by little, this is being recognized by his teammates as well; they see him as a different kid. But he still has a lot to grow, he will evolve. I read in a newspaper that the coach gave him a 'talking to' after the game with Vitória. And I did, he lost the ball when there was no need. And he said, 'I'm sorry, coach.' He's ready to learn, he likes to learn and listen a lot. He will have a brilliant future, I have no doubt."

Rui Borges also spoke about his journey since arriving at Alvalade: "I only had happy days. Even when I didn't win, or when we lost a trophy, I was happy in the sense that I was there playing games for Sporting. I've already said that I'm very positive, I always look at things in a good way. Only one can win. We won't always be able to win everything, but even on those days I was happy. The happiest day... It's hard to pick just one day. The presentation day was remarkable for me, for us as a coaching staff. And the two days when we won. The championship, which is every coach's dream, and the Portuguese Cup, because my parents were in the stadium and saw their son win an important national trophy. I would say those three."

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