The coach's press conference after the win over Vitória SC

After the 1-4 victory for Sporting CP against Vitória SC, coach Rui Borges gave a post-match analysis of the game in Guimaraes.

The victory being dedicated to Fresneda and the fans
“The victory is dedicated to Iván [Fresneda], for the misfortune he has suffered in recent days [the death of a family member]. He wanted to stay, help the team, and turn around this difficult moment. Regarding the game, it's not a gift, it's a victory, which we really wanted, and we also dedicate it to the fans, who have been fantastic in their support and belief in the team.”

His overall analysis of the game
“It was a tough game at a difficult stadium. It was a very good first half and we went into halftime winning deservedly. The second goal was extraordinary in terms of our collective play, and the team were very focused on what we had to do -both with and without the ball. In the second half, unfortunately for us, we allowed Vitória SC back into the game. After that, we know that this stadium takes the home team to another level, and that's what happened. After it became 1-2, we misplaced some passes, which created a bit of unease, but we improved, and with the score at 1-3 we settled down and turned the game around. Vitória SC created some problems for us with some low crosses, but the defensive line and the central defenders had a great game. It was a competitive game, as we expected, and a clear demonstration of the character and personality of this team.

The difficulties admitted by the opposing coach in dealing with Sporting CP's new dynamic
“We have to find solutions and work on them. I understand Luís [Pinto], but the dynamics are the same as always. They haven't changed much. The players bring us different things. In defensive terms, we adjusted to a different defensive dynamic. Happy, above all, because despite the absence of some important players, the team gave the response of an exceptional group, which has an enormous ambition to win and trusts in each other. They know that everyone is important here.”

Trincão and Ioannidis' movements on the right
“Trincão played in a different position than usual, but the team always have mobility, not just today. They know they can use each other's spaces as long as the team are balanced, with people in the right spots. Trincão's understanding with Fotis is natural and good. We used a lot of what our game plan is, just with different players. Maxi had a great game again. With this movement inside and the overloads, individual quality comes to the fore and at some point we will be able to hurt the opponent.”

Returning to Guimarães a year after his last game as Vitória SC coach
“It's been a special year. A year ago I didn't know I was going to be Sporting CP coach, and now I think I'm an even happier coach. I was very happy at Vitória SC; it's a special club and one for whom I will always have enormous affection. In terms of this year, it was a coach's dream that I fulfilled: To become league champion. I'm happy where I am and I want to continue fighting for my dreams to win more, get trophies and continue as part of the history of Sporting CP. May this next year be another one like it.”

The team take a third win in a row to continue their title challenge

Sporting CP defeated Vitória SC 1-4 in Guimarães in their last game before Christmas -the closing game of Matchday 15 in Liga Portugal. Goals from Francisco Trincão and Fotis Ioannidis in the first, plus an own goal and a strike from Maxi Araújo in the second, saw off their dangerous opposition.

Up against a Vitória SC side coached by Luís Pinto and on a run of four league games unbeaten without conceding a single goal, Sporting CP opted for a starting XI with three changes: Rui Silva returned to goal, Ricardo Mangas occupied the left wing, and Fotis Ioannidis joined Luis Suárez in attack. João Virgínia, Matheus Reis, and Alisson Santos returned to the bench.

A cold night in Guimarães began with Sporting CP coming very close to scoring on several occasions. After ten minutes, through an excellent collective move, Ricardo Mangas found himself in front of goal, but couldn't get a shot on target.

Shortly after, Suárez had a strike deflected at the near post. From the subsequent corner, captain Morten Hjulmand also threatened, but the most dangerous opportunity fell to Francisco Trincão, who forced Juan Castillo to make a save.

Rui Silva's first intervention arrived from an effort from distance by João Mendes.

Sporting CP maintained control and, in the 32nd minute, managed to break through Vitória SC's defensive fortress, handing them their first goal conceded in two months: Suárez initially tried his luck with a powerful shot, but it was a quick counter-attack that broke he deadlock, with Ioannidis returning the ball to Trincão in the box, a last-ditch clearance by João Mendes that sent the ball against the post, and Trincão turning it into the net.

Vitória SC improved and threatened in the following moments, but Sporting CP responded with total efficiency. Shortly before halftime, a precise cross from Mangas found Ioannidis' powerful header in the area, doubling the advantage.

After the 2-0 scoreline was established, Vitória attacked again, with attempts from Alioune Ndoye and Matija Mitrovic -whose free-kick forced Rui Silva into action- providing further glimpses of a chance to get back into contention.

At the start of the second half, the game changed dramatically for a moment. Drifting down the right, debutant Telmo Arcanjo aimed at goal, and Rui Silva couldn't reach the ball. That made it 1-2 on 50 minutes and the contest reignited at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

Through numerous crosses, mainly from the right side, Sporting CP were kept under pressure and struggled to get out of their own half. However, a counter-attack provided just what they needed: Maxi Araújo's free-kick was going wide, but Suárez, near the byline, managed to put the ball back into the danger zone and ended up benefiting from the unintentional help of goalkeeper Juan Castillo, who deflected the ball into his own net.

Iván Fresneda could have delivered a significant blow, but he struck wide with his weaker foot when unmarked in the area.

The game turned more erratic and disjointed, but a Maxi Araújo goal on the rebound from a Suárez shot sealed the victory. His fourth goal of the season made it 1-4 and put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute.  

Vitória SC were reduced to ten men due to a straight red card shown to Nélson Oliveira for a stamp, and in the ensuing scuffle between players from both teams, Hjulmand and Fresneda received yellow cards, meaning the Spanish full-back will miss the next league game.

The meeting marked the league debut of 18-year-old Flávio Gonçalves, coming on alongside Matheus Reis, after Hidemasa Morita, Salvador Blopa and Alisson Santos were also substituted by Rui Borges.

Sporting CP hadn't won in Guimarães since 2023, and the 1-4 win took their unbeaten run in the current Liga Portugal season to 11 games. With 38 points, they are in second place, three points ahead of SL Benfica and five behind FC Porto.

The next game will be played after Christmas and will see Sporting CP host Rio Ave FC on Sunday (8:30pm).

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Ricardo Mangas, Gonçalo Inácio, Eduardo Quaresma, Iván Fresneda (Matheus Reis, 90+2’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 76’), Maxi Araújo (Alisson Santos, 84’), Francisco Trincão (Flávio Gonçalves, 90+3’), Fotis Ioannidis (Salvador Blopa, 84’), Luis Suárez

The coach talks up his side after the win against AFS

After the impressive 6-0 win at home to AFS, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the performance in his post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
“The team were competent and gave the same response we have been giving as of late, even with some changes. Apart from the first 15 minutes, which were very tepid with AFS trying to slow the game down, and the last 15 minutes, where we made many errors with our passing, the team were competent and dynamic. We broke through with the first goal and then always went in search of more.”

Sporting CP being the best team playing in Portugal
“I'll leave that to you to decide; for me, my team are always the best. In my opinion, we are the best and we have shown that we are the best, but we are not in first place in the league, so maybe someone is better than us.”

The impressive result
“This comprehensive win only gives us only three points. We can't get too carried away in that aspect. It could be difficult to get the team to 'switch on' after two games of maximum pressure, when we are at home against the bottom placed team; mentally, that could be a difficult part, and perhaps the changes we made were important in that sense. The guys did very well and had high energy to keep focused.”

Diomande and Geny Catamo
“In principle, they won’t be available on Thursday. I'll field whoever I have available, and we will be competitive. I have to be like that. I want to win, very much. I'm calm about that. I wish I had everyone to choose from; I don't, but with whoever I have, I'll win.”

Several players' good form
“Luis [Suárez] is having a good start to the season, but he's also doing well because the team are doing well. Geny scored two goals. Maxi, who was playing in a different position, also scored twice. So above all, I value the collective -and then one or two players are standing out. It's a sign that everyone is on the same page and it shows the collective growth of the team.”

Possible renewal for Matheus Reis
“I don't put myself in that role much, it's more a job for the club -and they know what we want for the future of Sporting CP. Matheus has been a very important player and will continue to be so, not only for his experience, but also for his character and the energy he brings when he plays. He is a very important player in the group and someone we all like very much.”

Ioannidis and Suárez together in attack
“We're trying and training some different things, but whoever plays, I think they'll respond well. Maxi responded, Alisson too, as did Quenda when he played. Fotis, if he plays, will respond. Above all, the important thing is to feel that they want to help and understand what they have to do in each position. That makes me happy.”

The evolution during almost a year in charge
“Clearly, I am a better coach now, and clearly, Sporting CP are a better team, because the team has more of my mark and we’ve spent more time working together. The future will tell. I came here for a huge challenge, it made me grow and I feel that I have evolved a lot.”

Maxi Araújo playing further up the pitch
“He brings something different there. We know he really pushes the defensive line, makes diagonal runs, he's very aggressive, and we needed that. Maxi gives us that, he scored because of that, and it was important to have him getting into the box. With small details, we wanted to create overflows and make AFS's defensive line uncomfortable, and fortunately we managed to do that.”

Gonçalo Inácio's substitution at halftime
“It was to manage the game, because he wasn't one hundred percent fit, and besides, we're going to lose Diomande to the AFCON, and we didn't want to take that risk.”

The absence of Morten Hjulmand
“He was out because he was sick. Iván [Fresneda] too. Luis has already been out. Let me talk about Morten, because he gave another demonstration of what it is to be a leader. Maybe he could have played, but he told me: ‘coach, I’m not at one hundred percent, I have teammates who are better equipped than me and it’s better to have someone who is one hundred percent fit. It clearly demonstrates his respect for his teammates, for the team, and his ambition.”

The team win 6-0 against the league's basement side

Sporting CP had one of their best showings of the season to date on Liga Portugal Matchday 14, thrashing AFS 6-0 at home. Three goals in a devastating five-minute span from Luis Suárez, Maxi Araújo and Geny Catamo put them on track, and this was followed up by all three scoring their second goals of the game in the second half.

Bottom of the table AFS side had only three points and no wins to their name, and just one point earned away from home. Rui Borges made a total of six changes to the Sporting CP starting lineup to face them: Georgios Vagiannidis, Gonçalo Inácio, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita, Ricardo Mangas – as a full-back with Maxi Araújo ahead of him – and Francisco Trincão, returning from injury, were starters in place of Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões and Alisson Santos -who had begun the game against Bayern Munich.

Before the opening whistle, there was a minute of silence and applause in memory of Ernesto Figueiredo, one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of Sporting CP, a two-time Liga Portugal winner and also one of the heroes of the 1963/64 Taça das Taças.

Sporting CP began the game assertively and with great quality in their combinations, and only needed three minutes to threaten João Gonçalves' goal with an attempt by Luis Suárez that went straight at the goalkeeper. Moments later, they were initially awarded a penalty -which was overturned after VAR check.

From two mid-range shots, Trincão culminated a beautiful collective move with a strike that went just wide of the post, then drew a save from the opposing goalkeeper.

Geny Catamo appeared at the far post with a cross that forced João Gonçalves into a tight save, before a flood of goals arrived when the half-hour mark was reached.

After an AFS counterattack in which Óscar Perea was denied by Rui Silva, Sporting CP showed ruthless effectiveness.

It all started with a powerful shot from Suárez, from outside the area. It deflected off defender Devenish and left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

In quick succession, Maxi Araújo appeared unmarked in the area to finish off Vagiannidis' run and subsequent cross.

Geny Catamo then took advantage of a loose ball from a corner to set up a shot on his right foot, drilling low to make it 3-0. All three goals came in a five minute spell.

At halftime, Sporting CP made a change, as Matheus Reis came on for Gonçalo Inácio.

Goal number four came two minutes after the restart, as Maxi Araújo got his first brace for the club. He surged down the left, passed inside to Suárez, who opened up play on the opposite side to Vagiannidis, and the Greek delivered a perfect pass for the Uruguayan to tap in.

Suárez then threatened twice more, before finally adding to his tally. A knock in at the back post off a corner took the scoreline to 5-0, and established him as the league's top scorer – 11 goals in the league, 14 in all competitions.

Immediately, Rui Borges made another change, bringing on Eduardo Quaresma and Fotis Ioannidis, and later João Simões and Alisson Santos were also introduced.

AFS, who were already decimated, had a tame attack, with Pedro Lima shooting and Rui Silva easily catching the ball.

Entering in the last 15 minutes, Kochorashvili also tried his luck with an effort from outside the area, which was met by João Gonçalves. Alisson had two shots go wide and another two be saved.

Aves' final chance of note was from Tomané, who found himself unmarked in the area and headed the ball towards goal -but Rui Silva made another safe save.

In the last move of the game. Geny Catamo slipped down the right and, in front of goal, took the opportunity to score his second goal.

With a resounding 6-0 victory, Sporting CP extended their unbeaten run to ten games in the competition.

Rui Borges’ men still have two more away games scheduled before Christmas, the next one coming on Thursday in the Azores. They will play a Taça de Portugal tie against CD Santa Clara.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Georgios Vagiannidis, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio [C] (Matheus Reis, 46’), Ricardo Mangas (Eduardo Quaresma, 55’), Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita (João Simões, 72’), Maxi Araújo (Fotis Ioannidis, 55’), Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincão, Luis Suárez (Alisson Santos, 72’)

The coach keeps the derby against SL Benfica in perspective

Sporting CP travel to the Estádio da Luz this Friday to face rivals SL Benfica on Liga Portugal Matchday 13. On 31 points and 28 points, respectively, both are chasing league leaders FC Porto (34) going into the derby, and coach Rui Borges talked of the importance of the game in his pre-match press conference.

Sporting CP's current excellent form
“I look at this game like any other. Whether it's the best moment of the season or not, it is what it is. I don't focus too much on that. The path we’ve been following has been very positive, gradually improving in confidence, energy and quality of play. We are growing and that's what I'm proud to see. The game comes in this phase and a win is worth three points -like any other contest. The level of difficulty is great and the level of respect is the same as always. It will be a great game between two teams. We are in good form and we want to continue to consolidate this growth.”

50 games in charge of Sporting CP
“It's a milestone and I hope to have many more. I believe I'm prepared, that's why I'm here. But I think I'm still far from our peak, because we understand that growth is daily in our ability as coaches.”

Being favourites in the derby
“As I said before our game against FC Porto, it’s 50/50, but perhaps there was a small percentage in our favour then because we were playing at home -and we ended up losing the game. In that sense, I believe that SL Benfica, playing at home, at a difficult ground and in a difficult environment, may have that slight advantage, but I think it’s evenly matched. Above all, may it be a great game and may we be the team we have been so far.”

Changes in the approach given the magnitude of the game
“We won’t stray from our game plan, but we’re up against is a great team, which will force us to be more balanced at times. We want to be a balanced team in all phases of the game, and we have been growing in that sense. Tomorrow not only the offensive process will be very important, but also the defensive process, to be organised to neutralise the opponent's strengths. SL Benfica are a very strong team in transition when they win the ball in a mid-block. Above all, I want my team to be better at all times. We'll see if we're capable of that, and I believe we are, because I see the team as confident and 'switched on'. We'll be true to ourselves and, when we can't keep possession as much, we have to be well organised.”

Differences due to the opposing coach now being José Mourinho
“I have the same respect for coach José Mourinho as I did for Bruno Lage. I look, above all, at the team and its collective. I believe that Mourinho, because he didn't build this team, has also adapted more to the players he has. But I look at this game in the same way I've looked at the others: with respect for the opponents and their coach. He's a great coach, whom I admire very much, as I've already said, but tomorrow is SL Benfica vs. Sporting CP, regardless of the coaches. Above all, may it be a great game, with great respect between us.”

Sporting CP’s form being better than that of SL Benfica
“It depends on the perspective, because if you look at SL Benfica, perhaps they are in their best form, with three consecutive victories. I look at my team and, within the idea and what I foresee, we are in a very good phase of maturation in terms of dynamics and collective play. For me, Sporting CP are growing, but I also think that SL Benfica are in good form. We also had difficulties winning away at CD Nacional. It’s very subjective. SL Benfica haven't lost domestically yet and at home they are difficult to beat. I believe that SL Benfica will want to win and will play intensely and press for most of the time.”

Comparison to the Supertaça
“I think it's different. We are four months on from that, there's a different coach for them and we are more mature and have grown in terms of our game plan. Although I think we played a good game in the Supertaça, even though we lost, I think we are better as a team, but we have to demonstrate that tomorrow on the pitch.”

The possibility of including Pedro Gonçalves in the starting XI
“Here, nobody has a direct spot in the lineup. It depends on what they demonstrate. Before Quenda arrived, we were already tough on ‘Pote’. We have been growing and what makes me happy is that the team continue to respond regardless of who plays. I couldn't ask for more.”

Fotis Ioannidis still in doubt
“He is still in doubt. I don't know if he will be called up. It may or may not happen.”

Impact of the match on the league standings
“I don’t think it will dictate anything in the outcome of the title. It’s a big game, and I understand why all this is happening, because both teams could be six points behind FC Porto or SL Benfica could be nine behind… I understand, but I don’t agree, because there’s still a lot of the season left to play. Last year we were eight points ahead and we lost the advantage. Football is very much about the moment and everything changes very quickly. There’s more than one game left, so in my mind this game doesn’t dictate what the outcome of the title will be. We really want to win, but it doesn’t dictate the outcome of the season.”

Doubt regarding the midfield choice between Hidemasa Morita or João Simões
“I still have to sleep on that today. Simões is in great form and it was simply a decision not to have him play in the game against CF Estrela da Amadora, considering the opponents. He has been having great games and will continue to do so. Morita has been improving and Giorgi Kochorashvili has grown immensely in his adaptation to the dynamics, the team and Sporting CP. He will have his space and opportunities to demonstrate it. I’m happy to see this growth in Simões, in Morita and also in Gio.”

Sporting CP's results in the 'big' games this season
"That doubt is something journalists create. I don't see anyone saying that Rui Borges didn't lose any of those games last year, except on penalties in the Taça da Liga. I could also respond with the results we've had in the Champions League, but I won't. It doesn't affect me at all. I already said when we lost to FC Porto; if we won all the other games, we could possibly be champions and I'd take that. What interests me is what the team have shown and what we can do now."

Tactical aspects in which Sporting CP have evolved the most
"I think in terms of offensive variability we are completely different, more so than the formation -that has been talked about so much (laughs). We've become stronger in the offensive process, because in the vast majority of games we have to give that response against increasingly difficult teams to beat. The challenge was to be stronger there, but without neglecting other aspects, where we have also grown. We have improved in our reaction to losing the ball and in our balance.”

The coach looks at Saturday's Liga Portugal game

Sporting Clube de Portugal travels to the Azores this Saturday to face CD Santa Clara, on Matchday 11 of the Liga Portugal season. Before departing for São Miguel, coach Rui Borges held a press conference to preview the contest.

Analysis of CD Santa Clara
“They’re a mature team that know who they are very well, because most of their players and the coach have been together for the last two seasons. They’re a very well-organised, well coached team. Vasco [Matos] is doing a great job. At home, they’re a very competitive team that make life tough for any opponents; last season we had quite a few difficulties in all our matches against them. Some dynamics in their formation have changed. Although they don’t seem to be as well-placed [in eighth place with 11 points], they have even conceded one goal fewer than at this point last season.”

The call-ups for Rui Silva, Gonçalo Inácio, Pedro Gonçalves and Francisco Trincão by Portugal
“I think it’s natural, even considering their current form. ‘Pote’ and Trincão are doing very well, Rui just had a great game in the Champions League and Inácio has been very consistent. He has grown immensely and I think he is more mature and more of a leader now. It was expected that these four would be on the list. I'm not looking at the issue of whether they rest or not. I'm looking more at the fact that Quenda could also be there, and Simões, who is in very good form, has shown maturity and quality. I believe they are 'knocking on the door' of the national team and their day will come.”

Iván Fresneda's injury
“He is undergoing rehabilitation and we will see what the expected time on the sidelines will be for him.”

Morita's future at the end of his contract
“We knew about this, but we wanted to use him because we believe he will be a very important player throughout the season, both for what he gives to the team as an athlete and as a person. Simões has always been a solution that we can use, regardless of what happens with Morita. Now, he is in good form -like the team are- and this rise is natural. But last year he already played quite a few games with the first team. It’s down  to his ability.”

The current form
“The team have responded very well in terms of quality of play, but also physically. We have grown in that sense as well. All the players have to be prepared and are very motivated, because they know the demands of tomorrow's game in the Azores. We have to be focused only on that. We know that at the end of the season there is the World Cup and the players may turn their focus to their national teams, but for that to happen they have to give their best here. I believe that the team will give a good response, as they have in recent games.”

Nuno Santos' recovery and potential implications for the squad
“Nuno plays as a full-back and winger, I hope he will be at 100% in January, and I also hope nobody will leave. You can look at the resilience he has shown in the face of a difficult injury; he has had that capacity to do that because he is a true warrior. He is an example for all of us and has improved immensely. He is getting closer and closer, but there are parameters to meet and he is on that path. I hope that in January I can have him available to give me that 'headache', but above all, I would be happy to have him back available."

Ousmane Diomande not receiving a callup for the Ivory Coast
"If he stays here instead of going to the AFCON, all the better for us, but these competitions affect the players. I believe he also wants to represent his national team, but I haven't spoken to him about it. If he doesn't go, he may be sad, but if he stays, all the better for us, because he is an important player. Above all, I want to see the players happy."

The coach analyses the league win over FC Alverca

Following the victory against FC Alverca, Rui Borges talked about both the positive result and the upcoming away game against Juventus.

Iván Fresneda's injury
"Iván suffered a sprain. We will see the severity of the injury in the coming days."

Analysis of the game
"We created scoring opportunities, but today we lacked some inspiration in our finishing. We had 26 or 27 shots throughout the game, which shows our ability to get into the final third, but Pedro Gonçalves was the player who was the most inspired and ended up making it 2-0 with a great shot. We were quite competent and managed to neutralise FC Alverca, who didn't cause us any problems. Ousmane Diomande and Gonçalo Inácio were very switched on, without any lapses in concentration.
In the second half we wanted to start well. We didn't score in the first ten minutes as we wanted, but with the substitutions we tried to put more men into the area, especially since FC Alverca defended with a line of five -sometimes six. The team didn't give up, we brought Pote back deeper, despite Simões' excellent work, and we were rewarded."

Pedro Gonçalves returning to his best
"A few days ago they were saying that Pote wasn't at his best. He has better stats in fewer games than last year. For me, he's in his best form, I already said that last week. Sometimes he misses a pass or whatever, but that's part of the game. I'd say the same about [Francisco] Trincão: I think he's in the best stage of his career. It doesn't surprise me. The biggest challenge for both of them – who have already won everything and have been here for many years – is not to fall into monotony or complacency, but neither of them settles for anything. They are players who always want themselves and the team to be at their best."

The absence of Ricardo Mangas
"[Ricardo] Mangas had a great game on Tuesday, but unfortunately I can only bring twenty players into the squad. It was a tactical decision."

The team's performance
"The changes were made to try and shake things up. Geny [Catamo] was having some difficulties in one-on-one situations, but he performed well in the first half. The idea was to bring on players with different characteristics. [Geovany] Quenda was able to give us more balls into the box. These are strategies we thought could work, and so we tried to change them. It was strategic, not due to a lack of performance.
Here and there we could have had more energy; we let the game settle into a tepid spell, but even so, we created chances and didn't let the opponents break through. Even for me, as a coach, it's difficult to face the same opponents three days after a first game against them. We tried our best to work on that aspect, because we knew that Alverca would want to leave a different impression this time. They were committed, and it was difficult. I'm happy as long as there is attitude, and the players had it. I am very confident after seeing the team's ability throughout the game and the very large offensive flow we created."

Finishing
"Over time, we've been trying to improve and enhance individual characteristics in the creative process, so as not to be predictable and to create difficulties for the opposition. If we finished every chance we created, we'd always win 8-0. It's a matter of moments: We might be more or less inspired and score more or fewer goals. In Tuesday's game, we finished better, but perhaps we had fewer opportunities. I would be worried if we weren't able to create chances, but we've been doing that in every game. We've been consistent, and that makes us happy.
Now we need to gain better defensive skills, and be more prepared to stop transitions. We've been improving in that respect too. We're working harder and harder to be more consistent."

Fotis Ioannidis and Luis Suárez
"I like them both. They are both in very good form. They always deliver, playing separately or together. We are much stronger in that sense and it's a big headache for me, I have no doubt about that. I'm happy because they are two very competitive players, who don't give an inch, and I'm happy to have both of them in my team. I want them to keep delivering and scoring goals, as that's what we and the fans expect.
Fotis gives us more attacking depth, Luis provides support and aggression. They are two great strikers that we have, who will make their mark at Sporting CP."

Effort Management
"Honestly, this is the part that worries me the least. Regardless of what we are capable of doing in Turin, these are games where the players will be highly motivated and engaged. It's about recovering well and then, within the context of the game, making the best decisions for the starting eleven and during the match.
What makes it most difficult for us is the Juventus FC game; a new coach has arrived for them, with different ideas, and we will only have one match to analyse Luciano Spaletti's style. This makes things very difficult for us strategically. When there's a change of coach, there's also a change in mindset. They're playing at home, they're a great team, but my players will all be fine, I'm sure."

The team win 2-0 in a dominant display against FC Alverca

Facing FC Alverca for the second time in a week, Sporting Clube de Portugal won 2-0 at home on Matchday 10 of the Liga Portugal season. Second half goals from Fotis Ioannidis and Pedro Gonçalves earned the victory at the Estádio José Alvalade on a rainy night.

Before kickoff Geny Catamo was honoured for reaching 100 games for Sporting CP, with club president Frederico Varandas presenting the Mozambican with a commemorative shirt and trophy.

Sporting CP had won 5-1 against the visitors in the Taça da Liga just three days prior, but it was the opponents who provided an early chance in this league encounter. Rui Silva caught Nabil Touaizi's cross-shot, in what was the only opportunity for FC Alverca in the first half.

At the other end, Luis Suárez also came close to scoring, finding himself free in the area after two minutes following an excellent run by Gonçalves, André Gomes, but didn't connect well with the ball. Five minutes later, Francisco Trincão attempted an acrobatic shot from João Simões’ sprint down the left, but saw his shot deflected by a defender.

After fifteen minutes, an injury to Iván Fresneda meant he would be replaced by Georgios Vagiannidis.

A minute later, Simões appeared in the middle of the area to head the ball from Geny Catamo's cross, albeit unable to keep his effort on target. In the next move, it was the number 10 himself who tried for a goal; the winger's shot from the right side of the area hit the post with a resounding thud and went out of play.

Sporting CP were completely dominating possession and creating good opportunities to score. On 25 minutes, the FC Alverca goalkeeper parried a shot from Suárez out for a corner, as the onslaught continued.

Almost half an hour into the game, Suárez had the best chance of the entire first half. The Colombian was quick to recover a loose ball in the area and shot towards goal, but defender Bastien Meupiyou managed to block the ball twice on the goalline with his head.

Gonçalves, Ousmane Diomande and Simões also had good chances to break the deadlock, but none of the three managed to capitalise on the consecutive moves created by Sporting CP.

During the break, an intense downpour at the Estádio José Alvalade made it a wet second half. But the rain didn't dampen Sporting CP's momentum, and they won a corner after just twenty seconds.

Accumulating a series of such set pieces at the start of the second half, they finally put the ball into the net in the 49th minute, but Suárez's goal was disallowed for offside.

Just before the hour, Rui Borges brought on Fotis Ioannidis and Geovany Quenda to switch things up for his side. It proved to be a wise choice, as the former would take only eight minutes to score: Following another corner, the striker jumped above the defence to open the scoring. It was the Greek's second goal against FC Alverca in three days.

The second goal for Sporting CP was not long in coming. In the 74th minute, Gonçalves received a precise pass from Morten Hjulmand and, from distance, unleashed a powerful shot to score a fantastic goal.

Alisson Santos was brought on for Sporting CP, and just before the final whistle it was his turn to try his luck on two occasions: the Brazilian's shot, from a cut inside, grazed André Gomes' post. Then the virtuoso again aimed for goal, this time after a run down the left from midfield, but missed by centimetres.

A 2-0 scoreline was enough to earn all three points, and now the team switch focus to their next fixture. On Tuesday night they travel to Turin, where they face Juventus FC in the Champions League.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Pedro Gonçalves (Hidemasa Morita, 78’), Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 59’), Francisco Trincão, Maxi Araújo, Iván Fresneda (Georgios Vagiannidis, 15’), Gonçalo Inácio, Ousmane Diomande, Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Fotis Ioannidis, 59’) and Luis Suárez (Alisson Santos, 78’). 

The coach looks ahead to the Liga Portugal game

Sporting Clube de Portugal will face SC Braga this Sunday (7:15 pm local time) on Liga Portugal Matchday 8. The day before the game, coach Rui Borges previewed the match in a press conference.

What he expects from the opposition
"I expect a strong SC Braga. Regardless of their less positive results in the league [five matches without a win], they're always a great side. Despite everything, they haven't lost away from home yet, and that's where they score the most and concede the least. They're a team that want to dominate -I think they have the most possession in Liga Portugal- they get a lot of crosses and rely heavily on their wide men. They're a different team from last season and are buoyed by their result in European competition, when they won 0-2 against Celtic FC. In terms of us, we will also be a highly motivated team, in front of a packed crowd, who will do everything to win the match and continue our progress in the league."

Possible changes
"All players are available, and everyone has to be prepared to play. Whoever comes in will give a good response, and the coaching staff have the same confidence in everyone."

Focus on their game, despite the game between FC Porto and SL Benfica
"I want to win. I'm only worried about our game, which is against a great team who will pose a lot of difficulties for us. We're at the beginning of the season, so the other game won't decide anything."

The supporters
"Criticism is part of the game; it doesn't worry me. I know, above all, the affection I've always received from the vast majority of Sporting CP fans. On the street, it's been fantastic, and in the stadium, it's been absolutely incredible. What matters is that Sporting CP win. I believe that, little by little, more people will believe in our work. What drives me is to do my best for Sporting CP."

The 1-1 draw with SC Braga last season
"It was a game in which we were the better side in every way, and in a period when the game was completely under control, one incident completely ruined the result for us. It was from a cross, and this season, SC Braga are the team that create the most crosses, and [Leonardo] Lelo is the player who creates the most chances in the league. We have to be alert and prepared for the dynamics of this season’s SC Braga, which is completely different from last season."

The importance of defending crosses well
"I don't think it's our Achilles' heel. I even think that, in terms of our athleticism, and considering we are without Diomande, we've been very competent. We're a pressing team who go in for individual duels. SSC Napoli put in lots of crosses, and from the only one we couldn't stop, we ended up conceding the second goal. We have to find ways to neutralise that with small details and behaviour. It's a strength of SC Braga."

Defeats in the three toughest matches of the season (SL Benfica, FC Porto, and SSC Napoli)
"If I lose the 'big' league games but win all the others, we’ll win the title. They were very close games, and they ended up going the opponents’ way. We look at the past, but that means nothing to me. We didn't want to lose, but we're focused on things game by game."

The packed schedule
"The coaches are tired of complaining... The overload on the players is really getting worse. Looking at this specific match in the Taça da Liga that has been announced, it's also impossible to schedule it at another time. It's difficult to do. We have to hope the entire squad is available at that time."

The coach looks ahead to the game against CD Nacional

Ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal’s trip to Madeira, where they will face CD Nacional on Saturday, coach Rui Borges talked to the media in a press conference.

CD Nacional
“On the last matchday, their opponents snatched a draw when playing with ten men, which ends up being motivating for their growth and belief. They are in a phase of adaptation, seeking to gain more and more consistency in their play. Five or six players from last season's starting lineup have left, and they are looking for a better dynamic.

Despite everything, they are quite a tough side at home. I've been there and I know firsthand what it's like to play at Choupana. It will always be difficult: Due to the weather, which we don't know what it will be like, the humidity, the heat... We have to be prepared for whatever we can control.

Last year, CD Nacional were the team with the sixth or seventh most shots on goal. They are very direct and will be highly motivated to face the reigning champions. For that reason alone, any team will be motivated -but we will be prepared too."

Rumours about Conrad Harder
"Sporting CP are a big club, with very capable departments, always prepared for the demands of daily life, and prepared for any departure. That means any departure. We had a wonderful season last year, and it's natural that clubs will come looking for our players at any time.

But, as I’ve said before, there are buyout clauses. If someone comes along, meets the clause, and the player wants to leave, we can't do anything other than be proactive in anticipating these situations.

We're prepared for any departure. My job, more than focusing on the transfer market, is to prepare the players for the game. I work at a big club, and if I were to focus on the transfer market, I wouldn't be coaching.

Harder is in the squad for tomorrow's game. Everyone wants to be a starter; it's natural. He's been working very well, working to play more and more, so we'll just have to wait and see what the coach decides."

Rumours about Morten Hjulmand
"It's natural that people talk about him too, but he's focused on Sporting CP. He's grown a lot, he's very important to our dynamic, he's our captain and leader, he's been named in the squad for tomorrow and will certainly have another good game.

In training, no player seems affected [by the rumours]. The response from all the players has been as expected: they show they're committed to training, the game, and the club. They're happy, as I've always felt, and they're a true family."

Injured players
"We're rushing to find out when and if we can have Ousmane Diomande and Maxi Araújo back. We want to have them available for the next few matches, but I can't say exactly when they'll be back."

Offensive set pieces
"There are several players who, technically speaking, have the ability to take set pieces, whatever they may be.

Pedro Gonçalves, [Francisco] Trincão, Zeno [Debast]... It depends on the shot, the moment, the inspiration of each player -which counts for a lot-, and the space on the pitch. But our players are great and capable of responding in any situation, whether from a set piece or not."

Opportunities for Rayan Lucas
"Rayan is a B team player. We see a lot of potential in him and believe he's a mature player who is capable, despite his young age, of helping the kids here. He's a national team player who should be playing for Brazil at the U-20 World Cup. He's a kid who likes to listen and learn and works very hard, but he's adapting to the demands of European football and Sporting CP.

He trains with us most of the time and has responded well. Despite his young age, he has a different level of maturity, is very humble, and I believe he could be important in the first team in the future, but he came here to help the B team. The idea is to help him become a first team player as well."

Integration of new signings and Vagiannidis' situation
"Everyone has responded to the need for a starting role. [Giorgios] Vagiannidis is growing, and he looks happy with his new situation. He stepped out of his comfort zone and has adapted very well, despite some shyness that's still noticeable -even on the pitch. He's trying to fully integrate into the dynamic and gain knowledge of his teammates, but he's prepared for any decision the manager makes. Everyone will start: Some today, others tomorrow.

He came on at halftime because Iván [Fresneda] was already on a yellow card, but both have responded very well, and they're two players who are prepared to be starters at any moment.”