The Sporting CP coach talks before the game against FC Arouca

The opening match at the renovated Estádio José Alvalade takes place for Sporting CP against FC Arouca this Sunday at 8:30 pm. Before the match, coach Rui Borges spoke about the Matchday 2 encounter in a press conference.

FC Arouca
"They are a team that have caused us problems at home in recent years due to their competitiveness, and their coach maintains a very positive approach to the game. They like to have the ball and be the protagonists, regardless of who they play against. They'll want to share possession and show their potential, especially since they're buoyed by a good win at home on Matchday 1. It's up to us to continue our growth and quality of play, gaining consistency physically, tactically, and technically. It will be a difficult game at the start of the season, but I believe it will be a very good one."

Sporting CP’s forward line
"Conrad [Harder] and [Luis] Suárez have already played. They both need to be ready to start. It's up to me to decide who plays based on the strategy, the opposition, and what each player can contribute to the team at any given moment. I talk to both of them about small details for their development. It's a natural process. Going forward, we'll get into a rhythm of playing games every three days, and my conversations with all the players are always focused on helping them, because we'll need everyone."

Team changes
“The principles are the same. The team know what the gameplan is. So, in their own way, each player can offer us different things. I'm happy to have so many solutions.”

The transfer market
“I'm focused on my team. It's natural for people to talk about our players. Big teams look for great players. It's up to me to keep them calm, and they know in advance what the plan is regarding possible departures. They have buyout clauses, and whoever wants to sign one of our players has to come to us with that in mind. I only care that they give us a fantastic response; they are increasingly connected, and that's what's important. In the two official games we’ve played, the team gave a clear demonstration of our day-to-day work. They are ambitious and eager to win. Everyone is laser-focused on making their contribution. I'm very pragmatic and focus on what I can control.”

Possibly using Geovany Quenda
"[Geovany] Quenda and Geny [Catamo] are very similar in terms of what they offer me individually. Geny is a little more mature, but Quenda has been training really well, waiting for an opportunity. It hurts me to always leave someone out, because the team have been responding very well, but it's part of the process and they understand. In a few days, as I said, we'll happily be playing every three days -it's a sign that we're in all the competitions we want to play in-, which gives everyone the opportunity to demonstrate what they're capable of and help the team."

Differences between Casa Pia AC and FC Arouca
"I don't see it as a more difficult match. We were the ones who made the game easier against Casa Pia AC, as we didn't let them be the team they usually are. We were the ones who neutralised the opponent's qualities. Tomorrow we will be up against a different opponent. They were the seventh best in terms of possession last season, and all of Vasco Seabra's teams play very well. It will be an even contest. I believe, above all, that our team will be capable of bringing the same energy and, in this way, we will neutralise the opponents at every point in the game."

The new turf at the stadium
“The pitch has looked good to us. I'm happy with the changes they've made; the stadium is increasingly incredible and demonstrates the club's growth in every area, not only in terms of the sporting project but also structurally. It will be great to return to Alvalade, playing in front of our fans, who I believe are as eager to return as we are. They will certainly create a special atmosphere, as always. I know they will be out in force to support us in a stadium that truly represents the greatness of the club.”

The full acquisition of Francisco Trincão
“He has always given me a response that is at 200%. He's an extraordinary player, and I've said that several times. He was one of the players who surprised me most positively when I came here. I believe this full acquisition by Sporting CP was important for him, although he feels every day what he represents for the club, his teammates, and the coaches. It will help him feel even more of this desire to have him with us. He is motivated and focused, just like the whole group.”