The coach speaks before the match with his former club

Sporting Clube de Portugal visit Vitória SC on Tuesday in Liga Portugal action, and coach Rui Borges spoke ahead of the game to comment on several subjects.

Celebrating a year at Sporting CP
"It's special. Destiny is funny: One year on from the day I finally said goodbye to Vitória SC, I'll be coaching against them at their home. It's special for me. They are a club that mean a lot to me, and it's largely thanks to Vitória SC that I'm here today at Sporting CP.

It's a special game at a very difficult ground. The atmosphere is special, and only those who experience it understand. The crowd clearly make a difference, and that was noticeable last season when we had the game under control and suddenly it completely turned around. That energy and passion galvanises the team.

It's a different Vitória SC than last season; a younger squad. Luís [Pinto] is doing an excellent job as coach, he's getting better and better in terms of his ideas and consistency, and he deserves a lot of credit. Apart from the Taça de Portugal game against AVS, they were on a run of five wins and growing in confidence, with increasing maturity. At home, and with the exception of that game, they have only lost to SL Benfica. They are the only team to have won against FC Porto in domestic competition, and that clearly shows what we'll encounter tomorrow."

The game against CD Santa Clara
"Unfortunately, we live in a society in which there is a great lack of respect for Sporting CP and the club's coach. Fortunately, I had a good upbringing that comes from my parents, with many values. That's perhaps why today I am representing Sporting CP . It makes me sad because I am anything but a liar. I hadn't seen the penalty incident when I commented, I saw it later on the plane. I'm as sincere as possible and I'll gladly explain: at home we have two tablets: One with the Sport TV broadcast and the other on a free-to-air channel, with our image and at a wide angle. It's difficult to see from the images.

The image is there, but you can't see it because it's a wide angle and you can't analyse it. And since they wasted time looking for an image of the coach looking at the tablet, they could also have spent time watching the coach at some point talking to the players on the bench, because they were asking "coach, is it a penalty?" and I said "I don't know, because you can't see it". They could later see one of my assistants with a phone in his hand trying to open it. We couldn't even get videos, sent by the club's communications department, because of the internet connection. At no point did I look at the phone, and I couldn't see the images either.

If you paid attention, you saw that I sat there for 12 minutes waiting for a decision. The image you see of the Sporting CP coach looking at the tablet is all guesswork. They say 'he's looking at the footage,' but nobody saw it on the tablet. So, they say the coach is lying.

I'm sad. Unfortunately, we live in a society that feeds on hatred, and in football there are many people with short and selective memories. That's all I'm going to say about it. It's a move that has happened many times, it's happened in several games, and it's the referee's decision. My captain says there's a touch, you see the contact, and then it's the referee's decision. Regarding the game and the refereeing, I won't say anything more about it. Sometimes there's a lack of respect for the Sporting CP coach, and it's not a recent thing."

Frederico Varandas' Christmas Gift
"The only gift is victory tomorrow, but that's for the players. It's the only gift I want. We'll keep an eye on the transfer market, but we're not in that phase yet and I'm not worried. We'll have time to -within our possibilities and looking at what we deem important- adjust things."

The transfer market
"I believe and strongly hope - because this is what we've been working on and discussing -, that no one will leave. That already makes me happy as a coach, if I maintain the group, its cohesion, joy, energy and quality. It's important not to lose anyone, and I think that won't happen. I'm calm."

Return of Nuno Santos and Zeno Debast
"Regarding Nuno [Santos], I don't know where the information that he will return in January comes from. He is recovering, and I really wanted him to be back already, then I really wanted him to return in January. But I don't know if he will. He is an important player in the group, not only for his quality, but also for his personality and character. I hope to have him back as soon as possible. It's a recovery process that has been difficult, and for a player to be out for so long is mentally difficult. However, he is also a different kind of player and capable of overcoming this time away from the team.

Zeno [Debast] is in the final phase of his recovery. I believe that at the beginning of next month he will be available and at 100 percent."

Options available
"Daniel Bragança is in the process of regaining fitness and confidence, he's not ready to play yet, I believe he will be ready soon. He's another one who can help us, especially in a phase in which we have some absences.

Fotis Ioannidis is already doing better in terms of his injury. He was a true example in his trying to return quickly. It's just my choice. Of course, you can play. They are two strikers for us, and they offer different things. We have to adapt to the players we have available and the strategy in relation to the opposition, without straying from our game plan. Fotis can offer different things and both him and Georgios Vagiannidis can end up on the wing. He's a player who can play there, he's already trained there, and he can do it at any time."

Players at the Africa Cup of Nations
"Regarding Diomande's contract renewal: If it has really happened, it hasn't been announced by the club yet... Hopefully it happens, because Ousmane is a very important player, who has grown in the team and has a promising future ahead of him. I'll be happy about it -also for his future, because he would gain even more importance at Sporting CP. I'm happy about any renewal, of any player.

Regarding the presence of Geny [Catamo] and Diomande at the Africa Cup of Nations, I've already said that I always have alternatives, there's no problem. We always start with eleven. Of course, we have to adapt things, it gets a little difficult, but we have a team with a lot of individual quality and above all the will to help the team win and be better. I focus on that. We always have alternatives. I would never say in a team like Sporting CP that I didn't have alternatives."

The coach reflects on the win over CD Santa Clara

Following the 2-3 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal away to CD Santa Clara to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal, coach Rui Borges spoke in the post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
"It was a very competitive game, as we had expected. It was a difficult game against a very competitive, well-organised side, away from home. We started the first half well, and we scored a goal early on. Then, we allowed CD Santa Clara to grow in their transitions, which is what they wanted. We should have been a little more patient. They scored the equaliser from a transition, in which they are aggressive. The first half was very competitive and evenly matched after the equaliser.

We started the second half playing better with the ball. We adjusted one or two details and quickly created two or three shots. However, CD Santa Clara, in their only dangerous move, made it 2-1. From there, we got the equaliser from a chance in the area. In extra time, our physicality came to the fore. We controlled the game, made it 2-3, and CD Santa Clara didn't create any problems at that point."

Refereeing
"Every game has incidents. I'm not going to discuss the refereeing. We converted our chance, got the equaliser, and then we were the better side in extra time."

Difficulties
"Difficulties will arise, as is logical. It was noticeable that we didn't have the same energy as in other games. It was difficult playing against a low block and a very aggressive and intense team in the duels. CD Santa Clara are very intense in closing down space. We knew that we had to keep possession. We started well, but then we went into a spell of excessive, unnecessary turnovers that gave the opposition opportunities to transition. We don't have much time for training and we have to adapt players to this. We may, here and there, not be so certain about this style and possession process, but we have other things to offer."

A fightback, extra time and determination earn a 2-3 win over CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal needed extra time to beat CD Santa Clara 2-3 in the Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal, advancing to the next stage of their defence of the cup. João Simões, Luís Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis were the Sporting CP players on the scoresheet in the tie.

Rui Borges' side featured seven changes to the starting XI from the game match against AFS: João Virgínia was brought in as goalkeeper, and Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões and Alisson Santos also got the nod.

The first sign of danger came from the home team: in the opening moments, Gabriel Silva tried his luck from the edge of the area, striking just wide. Lucas Soares then hit a more accurate, powerful drive, requiring a save from João Virgínia.

Sporting CP increased their possession, although without creating many clear chances, until they opened the scoring on 12 minutes. A combination on the right between Francisco Trincão and Iván Fresneda ended with the Spaniard crossing into the area, and João Simões connected on the turn for his first goal of the season.

CD Santa Clara responded well to the setback, as Gabriel Silva found space in the box in the 16th minute. Eduardo Quaresma intervened with a last-gasp tackle to prevent a shot.

The hosts scored an equaliser just before the half-hour, when Lucas Soares dribbled down the right, cut inside and fired into the net.

During a positive spell immediately thereafter, Alisson Santos shot from a long way out, with the ball going just wide of the post. Sporting CP passed the ball around amongst themselves in the opposition half, but without finding a way to open up the defence. CD Santa Clara mainly relied on speed down the flanks to look for transitions.

After the first half ended 1-1, Alisson Santos had another chance upon the restart: In the 47th minute, the Brazilian advanced down the left flank and crossed, but the ball deflected off a CD Santa Clara defender and spun around the post.

In the 52nd minute, Sporting CP threatened again. A Matheus Reis down the left ended with a chance falling to Maxi Araújo on the penalty spot, and his shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Neneca.

Rui Borges brought on Fotis Ioannidis in the 66th minute to play upfront alongside Luis Suárez, as it began to rain heavily at the Estádio de São Miguel. Sporting CP continued to press and circulate the ball in dangerous areas, and both Morten Hjulmand and Luis Suárez had efforts stifled. The latter was played through, but Neneca reached the ball first.

Fifteen minutes from the end of regulation time, Borges made another change, bringing on Salvador Blopa and Giorgi Kochorashvili. Sporting CP had another great opportunity to take the lead through them, as Blopa was found by the Georgian and the ball fell to Maxi Araújo, who came close to putting his side back in front.

However, on 85 minutes, and without having troubled João Virgínia throughout the second half, it was CD Santa Clara who made it 2-1: Luquinhas found Gabriel Silva, and the Brazilian's shot deflected in off Eduardo Quaresma.

With Sporting CP pushing forward and looking to reverse the result, Trincão shot powerfully in the 87th minute to draw a great save from Neneca, and seconds later CD Santa Clara's Paulo Victor received a red card for a reckless action on Iván Fresneda.

In a last gasp move, Sporting CP brought on Flávio Gonçalves and Ricardo Mangas.

In stoppage time, a lifeline was thrown out when Hjulmand fell in the area. The referee blew for a penalty, and Luis Suárez dispatched, making it 2-2.

With six minutes of added time still to play, Sporting CP went in search of a goal to avoid extra time, but to no avail.

With a numerical advantage for the additional half hour, the visitors controlled possession. Ricardo Mangas had a clear opportunity to score, but shot wide.

Finally, the eventual winning goal came from Fotis Ioannidis, as Morten Hjulmand's touch to cushion Francisco Trincão's cross left him able to smash the ball home.

Closing out the first half of extra time, Brenner Lucas shot from long range in a tame effort, and Trincão made a solo run that culminated in an effort dragged wide.

At the start of the second half of extra time, both teams spent more time in the midfield, but in the 109th minute Giorgi Kochorashvili found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper for a rare chance. The Sporting CP midfielder's header went over the crossbar.

At the end of an exhausting, exhilarating night, Sporting CP took a 2-3 victory that moves them into the next round of the competition that they won last season.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Matheus Reis (Salvador Blopa, 75’), Francisco Trincão, Maxi Araújo (Ricardo Mangas, 90’), Iván Fresneda (Flávio Gonçalves, 90’), Gonçalo Inácio, Alisson Santos (Fotis Ioannidis, 66’), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 75’), Eduardo Quaresma and Luis Suárez.

The coach looks ahead to the meeting with CD Santa Clara

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Azores to face CD Santa Clara in the Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal, and coach Rui Borges gave a pre-match press conference in Alcochete this Wednesday.

Previewing the game
"It's a different competition, with different stimuli and energy. It's always a difficult ground to go to, facing a team that have conceded just six goals at home in Liga Portugal. They are one of the teams that allow the opposition the fewest chances to score. They are very intense, competitive and aggressive. I expect a similar level of difficulty to what we encountered in the league. They have a good coach, a motivated team, and we will face a quality side.

Emotional stability is always important in all games, not just this one. The melee at the end of the game [in the league] was just heat of the moment stuff. There's always a bit of needle here and there, but it cools down. It's happened in many games in which Sporting CP didn't play. It's not pretty, for sure, but it's a question of temperament. That game is in the past and tomorrow will be different. Both teams want to win and advance to the quarter-finals. It will be a heated game, but competitive and intense. We have to be prepared."

Frederico Varandas' re-election bid for the presidency announcement
"It's good news for Sporting CP. All the years the president has spent here speaks for itself. Otherwise, I'm focused on my work and I believe the Sporting CP universe are happy with the news."

Options for the game
"We will present the same image as always. We have demonstrated considerable quality in our play, as well as our intensity. The team are focused, aware of the difficulties we will face and the qualities of the opposition. We will not deviate from what we want for the game. The team have evolved and nothing worries me in that regard. It's natural to have one or two different options, even because of the absences we have."

Refereeing
"I'm not going to talk about refereeing. From what I've seen in recent years, our referees are some of the best around. They make mistakes like everyone else and sometimes it hurts us, but I still think they are amongst the best."

Opportunities for academy players
"The opportunities aren't about the Taça or Liga Portugal, but about what we want for each game. We are the holders of the Taça de Portugal and we really want to keep it, regardless of who plays. Those who train with us know what they have to do and know they could have an opportunity. They are waiting for their chance, like so many others."

Morten Hjulmand
"He's ready for the game. I think he's not 100% fit yet, but he's been training well and will be an option."

Fotis Ioannidis
"He's not at his best physically. He's improving, growing, and could be a solution for us tomorrow. He offers us many good things and I'm happy to see his fitness and confidence grow every day. He's available and is another solution for us. He will help a lot."

His future at Sporting CP
"There's a lot for us to conquer, fight for and win at Sporting CP. I want to continue to be part of Sporting CP's history. I hope that will be so for many years. I feel happy here, I'm doing well and am really motivated."

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 talks about Matchday 14 of the season

Sporting Clube de Portugal host AFS on Saturday, on the 14th round of the Liga Portugal season. Before the contest, Rui Borges previewed the match in a press conference.

AFS
"They are, above all, an intense and aggressive team. They have experienced players and they come here with nothing to lose. They can come here with more confidence and more relaxed -in a positive sense. They come here with calm, as they have a lot to gain. They already drew in Braga, which shows what can happen if we let our guard down. The challenge will be this: For the team to be as completely switched on we have been after a week of the maximum level of demand. We have to have the same energy, focus, rigor, and intensity to be able to have a great game and win, which is what we want."

Pedro Gonçalves
"He was fit to play [against CF Estrela da Amadora and SL Benfica], and that is why he played. If he hadn't been fit, we wouldn't have run that risk. He felt discomfort in training and has a muscle injury that will take some time to recover from. He won't be able to contribute to the team in the next few games, and someone else will play."

Injuries
"It is what it is. Injuries are part of football. Last year, when I arrived, there were many injuries, some of them muscular. This year, we've had two or three muscle injuries. We've managed them very well; all of the departments have done a great job. The injuries we have now are from knocks; we don't control them. We want to avoid injuries as much as possible, but you have to keep going."

The team’s performance
"We work to have players recover as much as possible, to have them at their maximum strength. I look at them and I feel they are really motivated, which is a sign that the energy will be there. As the game progresses, if we have good intensity from the beginning, we may feel the fatigue, but that's what substitutions are for."

A possible contract renewal
"If the offer were on the table, I would sign without any problem, but it's not something on my mind right now. I have a contract until 2027, so I know very well the confidence that, from day one, has been present in the entire sporting structure. I'm just focused on doing our job well, as I think has been happening. Everything else is a consequence of my work. I'm here as a consequence of that, and that's how I'm going to look to the future. Things will come in due time. My focus is on getting better day by day, making Sporting CP stronger and winning more trophies."

The transfer market
"I don't have a list of targets, nor am I very focused on the market. I'm focused on these next few weeks of work, as we have many games coming up and I don't waste time looking at the transfer market. I don't know if we will make moves in the market or not. I focus on the current solutions, which are the ones that matter to me because I have to respond in these games. In time, we will make those decisions."

The atmosphere in the dressing room
"The group are confident and highly motivated about what's to come. They have understood what we are capable of doing in these more demanding last two games. We understand what we did well and what we didn't do so well. I don't need to say much, they know and understand because they are very ambitious. They never tire of winning, and they are always looking to be better. We didn't leave Munich happy because we really wanted to win, but we left with a clear conscience because we gave it our best and had a great game. We continue with our growth, despite a result that doesn't please us."

Zeno Debast
"When players are fit to play and at 100% within the defined parameters, they go into training. I believe Zeno will return at the beginning of January. If he comes back sooner, all the better for us, because we gain another option -since Ousmane Diomande is going to the Africa Cup of Nations."

Ousmane Diomande and Geny Catamo in the game against CD Santa Clara
"We have tried to get them available. We know it won't be very easy, but we believe it's possible. If it doesn't happen, that's part of the game. For now, as far as I know, there hasn't been a response from their national teams yet."

Individual awards in Liga Portugal and Liga Portugal 2
"I am privileged to be a part of this. I am very happy at Sporting CP. The day-to-day work makes me happy, and the energy is very good both in the youth academy and in the first team. The youngsters have managed to continue with the Sporting CP image of bringing players up from the academy to the first team. Little by little, we are having more and more youngsters with us, which is a sign that the work has been done well from the beginning. The B team are very focused and rigorous. The youngsters understand the demands of Sporting CP, how much it takes to have an opportunity in the first team. The awards are individual recognition and I am very happy for those people, who work very hard.

Francisco Trincão
"He is fit and available to play."

The Sporting CP player extends his time at the club

Sporting Clube de Portugal and Gonçalo Inácio have reached an agreement to extend the player’s contract, keeping him at the club until 2030.

Speaking at the contract signing, Inácio said that "it gives me enormous pride. I grew up at Sporting CP, at this great club. For me, it's always a pleasure to represent Sporting CP.”

At 24 years old, the defender, who has already won every domestic trophy available, remains driven by the same ambition that brought him to the club.

"The goal is always to keep winning. Obviously, I've already won some trophies here, but we always want more.”

One of the team captains, Inácio proudly assumes the responsibility that has been given to him.

"Representing Sporting CP is always a source of pride, and being captain even more so. I've been feeling good. I think the team are also in good form and confidence is sky-high. The objective is always the same: to win," he reinforced.

At Sporting CP, where youth development remains the foundation and the future, the defender also takes on the role of welcoming those who follow in his footsteps, having been at the club since he was 11 years old.

"We, as captains, always want to transmit confidence and integrate people in the best way. It's always good to show commitment to young players. We try to teach them as much as possible, just as we were taught. It's largely about that: giving them confidence and integrating them into the group," he explained.

Promoted to the first team in 2019/2020 at only 18 years old, his sustained growth at Sporting CP has also led him to feature for Portugal, for whom he has 19 caps.

"Obviously, I’m also proud of that. We work every day to achieve this goal and now it's about staying focused. I want the fans to continue to support the whole team, as they always have,” he concluded by saying.

The coach responds to the defeat in Germany

Following the 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges reacted to the defeat in a press conference at the Allianz Arena.

The way the team executed the game plan
“I’m proud of the personality and courage we showed. We demonstrated great personality and maturity. In technical and tactical terms, we were fantastic: The players followed the strategy for the game perfectly, both defensively and offensively. We knew we would be in a lower block and the team were cohesive, organised and committed. We like to have the ball, but mentally we were prepared for the demands of the game in that sense. I couldn't be prouder of what the team were able to do throughout the entire game.”

The collective response to the various absences
“The players out are important to the team, but all players are important. The team gave a great response. Everyone is switched on, the players respect each other a lot as a group, and they see quality in each other.”

The impact of set pieces
“We lost the game because the only time we weren't strong was on set pieces. Two goals came from dead ball situations, and one goal was preceded by a clear foul, in my opinion. The foul was very clear, and sometimes we complain too much about our referees. I can't lament the defeat because of that. We conceded two goals from set pieces, and we have to improve that. We knew they were strong in that aspect, with a lot of blocking in the second zone; we were warned, but we fell for the trap. We have to find ways to be even better in that regard, because it defines games against these big teams. It was costly for us, but that doesn't take away from the pride I have in the team.”

The tactical approach to the game
“I even wanted Edu [Quaresma] to be more involved with the trio of centre backs, and he rarely moved around because he was always playing as a full-back. That’s what I asked him to do, and he had a great game. We had three central defenders defending, but we’ve always done that. We tried to alternate with quick balls to get out and keep possession, and we pulled Luis [Suárez] back to create runs from the full-backs inside and midfielders in the second line. I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team.”

Absences opening up opportunities for reinforcements
“I’m not going to talk about the transfer market. We have Dani [Bragança] back. I’m happy to have him returning. He has a very unique quality, and in our game plan, he can play in several positions. I think even physically he’s transformed, and I strongly believe he’ll have a good second half of the season.”

João Simões
“He has maturity beyond his years and will clearly play at a very high level. He didn't surprise me. Last year he had a great season and unfortunately got injured. This year -and I don't know if it's because of that break- he was more eager to play and maybe he didn't perform as well in preseason, but we clearly recognise his value, otherwise he wouldn't play, especially in games of this calibre. He started in Naples and had a fantastic game. He has provided a huge response.”

Ousmane Diomande and Geny Catamo featuring ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations
“We have to let them go from December 15th onwards. Those are the rules, so we can't control that. They are important players, but I'm not going to complain about their absences. I want to have everyone available, but we will be strong and today was a clear demonstration that everyone is important and prepared to play. Everyone understands the idea and believes in it. Individuals can bring different things, but the game plan is clear. We will be competent, competitive and we will continue with enormous ambition and courage, because this group deserves it. They never tire of winning, they always want more, and they want to continue showing that they can compete with the best.”

The precautions to be taken to avoid accumulated fatigue
“We do an exceptional job in managing workloads and dealing with extra fatigue. For example, today Inácio was carrying a knock from the game against Benfica and, as we are already going to lose Ousmane, we decided not to risk him. It's a worrying aspect, as we have fewer options and more players will have more consecutive minutes, so we have to find ways to keep them as fresh as possible and free from injuries. This month is going to be tough, with many games, but the players always want to play.”

Os Leões suffer a 3-1 defeat in the Champions League

Sporting CP lost 3-1 to FC Bayern Munich in their sixth UEFA Champions League group stage game, ending a 12-game unbeaten run for Rui Borges’ men. After taking the lead against the run of play in the second half, a flurry of goals from the German champions meant the points stayed at the Allianz Arena.

Whilst Bayern Munich had practically a full squad to choose from -bar the suspended Luis Díaz-, Sporting CP had to adapt to the absences of Pedro Gonçalves, Francisco Trincão and Geovany Quenda. Borges made a total of four changes to the starting XI used in the Clássico against SL Benfica, bringing in João Simões, Maxi Araújo, Matheus Reis and Eduardo Quaresma. Gonçalo Inácio and Hidemasa Morita were on a bench accompanied by youngsters Rodrigo Ribeiro, Flávio Gonçalves, Salvador Blopa and Eduardo Felicíssimo.

Matheus Reis equalled Rui Patrício as the Sporting CP player with the most UEFA Champions League appearances ever (26) – a feat that the unused Inácio is also one game away from matching.

On a cold night in Munich, Sporting CP were on the defensive early against the expected dominance of the Germans, who wanted to respond to their only defeat of the season in their previous Champions League game against Arsenal. Proof of this intention occurred when young talent Lennart Karl had the ball in the net just five minutes into the game, although it was promptly disallowed for offside.

For Sporting CP, the first period was a true test of patience and organisation, played almost exclusively in their own half, as they tried to counter-attack whenever possible. FC Bayern Munich circled the Sporting area, making some initial probing attacks until, in the 24th minute, Rui Silva had to make a flying save to parry a dangerous cross-shot from Serge Gnabry.

Immediately afterward, it was Bayern’s Manuel Neuer who had to intervene, as a run by Geny Catamo and subsequent cross almost resulted in an own goal in Sporting CP’s favour.

The pressure intensified in the final stretch of the first half, but the post and Rui Silva combined to keep the game goalless: On 37 minutes, the woodwork denied a long-range shot from Harry Kane, and on 44 minutes the Sporting CP goalkeeper prevailed in a one-on-one with Lennart Karl. In between these chances, a header from defender Josip Stanišić also went just wide.

It was the first time this season that Bayern Munich had failed to score in the first half when playing at home.

The second half began very differently, with Sporting CP more daring with the ball and more dangerous when going forward. Breaking down the left, Alisson Santos attempted a cross-shot that went just wide of the post, and Luis Suárez couldn't quite reach it in time to finish off the chance.

Santos created another chance soon after, releasing João Simões on the wing, and the midfielder reached the byline, crossed the ball, and Joshua Kimmich deflected it into his own net. In the 54th minute, Sporting CP took the lead at home against FC Bayern München, sparking a huge celebration from the travelling supporters.

In the moments following their making it 0-1, Os Leões had their best spell, becoming increasingly effective with the ball. However, from two shots on target – one by Kimmich and one by Karl – the Bundesliga leaders delivered a decisive response to change the game.

Off a corner, Gnabry appeared unmarked at the far post to equalise, and just four minutes later, Karl entered the area and beat Rui Silva, turning the game around in the blink of an eye.

Furthermore, a scuffle between players from both teams resulted in a yellow card for Morten Hjulmand, who will therefore miss the home game against Paris Saint Germain in the next round.

A reinvigorated Bayern Munich improved their performance and, before the final ten minutes, also made it 3-1, taking advantage of a set piece. This time, a second ball fell to striker Jonathan Tah in the area, and he provided the killer blow.

Rui Borges refreshed his side by bringing on Ricardo Mangas (making his Champions League debut), Georgios Vagiannidis and Fotis Ioannidis, and Sporting CP still tried to attack, but a last-second interception prevented Suárez from reducing the deficit, and it remained unchanged until the end.

Sporting CP remain on ten points in the Champions League and have fallen out of the direct qualification zone, whilst Bayern Munich now have 15 points and have already secured a place in the next phase.

Now attention turns to Liga Portugal, with the upcoming match against AFS scheduled for Saturday at 8:30pm.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Eduardo Quaresma (Georgios Vagiannidis, 80'), Matheus Reis, Maxi Araújo (Salvador Blopa, 90+2'), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 90+2'), Geny Catamo (Fotis Ioannidis, 80'), Alisson Santos (Ricardo Mangas, 66'), Luis Suárez