Sporting Clube de Portugal’s coach Rui Borges is preparing his team for a challenging encounter against CD Santa Clara in the upcoming Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal. The match in the Azores promises to be fiercely contested, reflecting the intensity and competitiveness both sides bring to the pitch.
Borges highlighted the difficulty of playing at Santa Clara’s home, noting the team’s strong defensive record, having conceded just six goals in their Liga Portugal home games. He described Santa Clara as an aggressive and highly motivated side, coached well and capable of restricting opponents’ scoring opportunities. “I expect a similar level of difficulty to what we encountered in the league,” said Borges, signaling a tough fixture ahead.
Addressing the emotional aspect, Borges emphasized the need for stability and concentration. He acknowledged previous on-field tensions but urged his players to stay focused, stating that both teams are eager to progress to the quarter-finals. “It will be a heated game, but competitive and intense. We have to be prepared,” he affirmed.
Borges also commented on the team’s squad dynamics ahead of the match. He trusts in his players’ quality and intensity, recognizing some absences but confident in his squad’s adaptability. Midfielder Morten Hjulmand, while not fully fit, remains available, and striker Fotis Ioannidis is improving and could provide valuable options up front.
The coach dismissed concerns over refereeing, praising the officials’ overall quality. He also spoke about opportunities for academy players, stating that chances depend on team needs and performance rather than the competition itself. The goal remains to defend the Taça de Portugal successfully regardless of personnel.
Regarding his own future, Borges expressed contentment and ambition. “There’s a lot for us to conquer, fight for and win at Sporting CP,” he said. His focus remains firmly on preparing the team for a demanding cup tie that promises competitive spirit and high intensity on both sides.
-
-
-
-
