The coach looks back at Sporting CP's Taça de Portugal semifinal triumph

Following his side's securing of their place in the final of the Taça de Portugal, with victory over Rio Ave FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges talked in the post-match press conference.

Analysis of the game
“Above all, I’m happy with the team and the ability we had to be serious right from the start of the game. We wanted to score a goal early on to stop our opponents from gaining confidence. We got it and pressed hard until the 25th or 30th minute. After that, the game balanced out a bit, but without Rio Ave FC creating any major danger. In the second half, we asked the players for a strong start again, and we managed to do so, making it 0-2 and then trying to manage some players' minutes. The team mentally went into management mode and we let Rio Ave FC believe a little for a few minutes. The game was evenly matched until the end, and we could still have scored one or two more, but I’m happy with what the team produced today.”

Reaching the final of the Portuguese Cup
“It’s a dream come true to be able to reach a final at Jamor. I’m happy to have achieved this and now we really want to win and get this trophy for the club. This group really deserve it.”

Pedro Gonçalves' return to the starting line-up and Biel's minutes
“It was important to give Pote playing time, because he needs minutes and confidence. Given how good he is, we have great faith in what he can do for us in this final stretch. We have also noticed that he lacks some confidence, but we can see his intelligence and what he can give to the team.

Biel has been training very well, he has grown a lot, although he hasn’t had many opportunities. Today he came on and he did very well. He is a player who has refined decision-making, but he plays in a position where we have several other important players: Geny, Quenda, Trincão, Pote... It’s a question of the coach's choice, but he has responded very well.”

Ricardo Esgaio's use as a midfielder
“I put him there because he deserves it and he works hard. I did it for everything he is capable of giving in training, for the response he gives us, for what he means to the group, because he is one of the most competitive players we have. He deserves the minutes.”

The first game Quenda didn't play this season
“It's important to rest everyone, when possible."

The impact of the win for the final stretch
“The group wanted to win. It’s an incredible group and if it weren’t like that, we wouldn’t be in the final of the cup. We got to the final of the Taça da Liga, we’re in the final of the Taça de Portugal, which could also give us a place in the Supertaça, and we’re in first place in the final stretch of the Liga Portugal season. With everything the group have been through, they’ve been incredible. Only a great group would be able to be in all the finals possible.”