The coach gives a press conference before the game against FC Kairat

Ahead of Sporting CP’s first 2025/26 UEFA Champions League game, this Thursday at home to FC Kairat, coach Rui Borges fielded questions from the media in a press conference.

Returning to UEFA Champions League action
"Last year, playing in the world's best club competition was a dream for us as a coaching staff. This year, it continues to be that. A new phase is beginning in the competition, and we want to make the most of it.

The players will be highly motivated; they want to make the most of the competition; they know it's a great showcase for us. We must reinforce Sporting CP's status as a "Champions League side," which is important because of the greatness of the club. But we'll take it one game at a time and try to win them all. That's always the goal, and we won't stray too far from that."

Objectives in the competition
"The goal will always be to reach the play-off stage. We want to advance beyond the league stage and have enormous ambition, even though we'll be facing some very good teams."

Players in doubt for the game
"Pedro Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita are both in the squad."

Avoiding surprises
"Regardless of whether this is our opponents’ UEFA Champions League debut, they are here on merit, especially after beating Celtic FC -an opponent we faced in preseason and against whom we struggled.

Celtic FC failed to score a goal in two games against FC Kairat. FC Kairat, in turn, had less possession and more chances, and are currently top of their league. They have already played 33 games and have the tightest defence in the division, and this clearly demonstrates the difficulties we will face tomorrow at home.

My players are aware of the difficulties, regardless of the opponents’ name recognition."

His record in Europe
"I have ten wins and two draws in the UEFA Conference League. Our short coaching career speaks for itself. I hadn't lost in Europe until I arrived at Sporting CP. These are different stages in my career, so I want to look at the present, not the past.

The ambition is always the same at this club, regardless of the game. The President's statements reflect the enormous ambition of the club and the team as a whole. We know the club we represent and what we want to do: win. We'll face big sides, but that's how we grow, by facing the best."

Squad solutions
"If Pedro Gonçalves doesn't play -and he is called up-, then we have other solutions. We have Maxi [Araújo], Fotis [Ioannidis], Alisson, and Lucas Anjos, who's also in the squad."