The Sporting CP coach sets out his gameplan for SC Farense

Sporting Clube de Portugal hosts SC Farense this Sunday in Liga Portugal, and coach Rui Borges says that he believes it will be an identical game to that against CD Nacional just a few weeks ago.

“SC Farense are a team that, despite not being in such good form for the last five games, are like their coach,Tozé Marreco. They are very well organised offensively and defensively. He has been more concerned with the defensive process since he took over, when they were in relegation places, and has played with a medium/low block, with his players committed,fast and strong in offensive transitions. Furthermore, they are a very strong team from dead balls, because they have so many strong and tall players. Therefore, we have to be focused on this and concerned about this," the coach Leonino began by saying.

“We know that these games are difficult, as it was with CD Nacional when we needed a moment of inspiration to break through. I think it's going to be a game a little like that. Therefore, we have to make quick, good decisions in the final third, be fast to react to turnovers so as not to let SC Farense get away with quick counterattacks, and we need to have a lot of individual inspiration."

“Just like in the game with CD Nacional, this one will require us to have more calm and patience. I know that, therefore, sometimes it doesn't become a pretty game for those who watch, but that's what football is and we have to adapt to what the game gives us and asks of us, in addition to respecting the opponent so as not to have any problems," continued Borges.

“Those on the outside may think that we are comfortable with having a six-point advantage, but I don't see it that way. We have an advantage and the difficulty is in maintaining it. Therefore, we have to do our part, be competent and win. My focus is very much this. It's always on the next game, on trying to pass on the best possible information to the players to face the difficulties that the opponents pose for us. The team are very motivated, more because of being top than because of the advantage, and because we are where we want to be -but we know it will be difficult to maintain this position. Even so, I believe they will be true lions and I believe we will have a good final stretch of the season.”

For this match, Eduardo Quaresma has recovered and Zeno Debast is available, whilst Viktor Gyökeres and Hidemasa Morita are in doubt.

 “It's very much a matter of going day by day, feeling how they are, seeing if we can have them available and seeing if it's worth taking the risk or not. These are players who are fatigued, just like Quenda. We have to try to manage this. Some are easier to manage, others not so much. It’s about going day by day, seeing what the player says and making decisions based on the game.”

Borges also spoke about Pedro Gonçalves, not giving a deadline for the Portuguese international's return.

“He will return and will help when he is 100 percent fit. He is focused on his recovery and we are very committed to getting him back -both him and any other injured player,” he said.

He then commented on the UEFA Champions League playoff draw, expressing his satisfaction with the date of the games.

“Borussia Dortmund may not be doing very well in the Bundesliga, but in the Champions League they have had great games and they have a very strong attacking frontline. They changed coach and that will change something; mentally at least, it always changes, so it will be a very difficult tie. Any opponent would have been difficult. More than us being with the opponents we were given, I was happy with the dates of the games, with us playing first at home on a Tuesday and then away on a Wednesday. At this stage, it is important to gain vital hours to be able to rest, and because we have a lot of tired players."