Sporting’s extraordinary run, the €20 watch: R Borges’ key quotes | OneFootball

Rui Borges spoke to journalists at a press conference previewing the Athletic Bilbao - Sporting match, this Tuesday, January 27. The match is scheduled for next Wednesday at 8:00 PM, at San Mamés. Read here everything the Lions’ coach said, from the “extraordinary” journey in the Champions League to the 20-euro Casio watch.

Sporting has never won in Spain. Is that a motivation?

“It’s something that goes beyond me, I also think I’ve never played against a Spanish team. It doesn’t affect me. We are focused and eager to do something that will be remembered. We have to be true to ourselves. We’re going up against a great team, with a very distinct identity. We know the difficulties, but we go with ambition and will try to do our best. And in the end, we’ll see what the outcome is. Nothing erases our fantastic journey.”

Impact of Nuno Santos’ return

“It has a big impact. I’ve spoken several times about the impact he has on the group. He’s experienced and very important for the group, both as an athlete and as a teammate. He’s going to annoy me a lot, but that’s part of it. That’s his personality. For everything he’s won, he’s extremely important for the group. It’s clear what he represents around him and what he’s endured over the past 15 months. A true warrior, there are few, very few like him. I’m a happy coach. When I arrived, I couldn’t count on him, now I can. He adds quality, everything to the team. In terms of character, quality, and example, he means a lot.”

What kind of Sporting will we see at San Mamés?

“It will be a Sporting true to itself. At times pressing, but on the other side there is quality and we may also have to sit in a low block. We don’t stray from our identity and style of play. But within that idea, we adjust behaviors, always with the intention of being superior. It’s a great team, one of the most titled in Spain. They have very good individuals who can make the difference.”

Will you be upset if you don’t reach the top 8?

“When you don’t win, you’re always upset, but I’m very proud of everything we’ve shown. The frustration comes from the ambition to want to be better. In terms of the schedule, it would be great, in the sense of having the team more prepared and capable, controlling fatigue. It would be fantastic. We won’t play thinking about that, but rather to win and make history.”

When did the team assert itself?

“The first game, against Kairat at home, which we won. The humility to understand who we were up against. They know the competition we’re playing in, the quality that exists. Their ambition, not only in the Champions League but in all competitions, they know they represent a great club and honor it in the best way. They have been extraordinary.”

What will be the key to winning?

“The key is our humility, the ability to understand what we have to do at every moment of the game. We don’t stray from who we are. Offensively, it’s natural for people to say we’ve been very strong, but defensively as well, otherwise we wouldn’t have the points we do. This balance is what we need to have tomorrow. It’s an excellent team, well managed. Mentally, we have to know how to read the moments of the game, understand the atmosphere, Athletic’s desire to win. We like to have the ball and we have to be prepared for moments when we lose it.”

How do you define yourself as a coach?

“I see myself as a simple person and the Casio is always there. 20 euros. 19.90€. I remember the journey and what it cost me. Just because I’m here doesn’t mean I’ll have a thousand-euro watch. Now all the stadiums have clocks, I don’t even need a watch. I’m simple and humble, just enough. I’m very honest, direct with everyone, a friend’s friend, and I’ll always be grateful to those who help me. I’ll always be like this, Rui from Mirandela.”

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