The coach thanks the fans for their presence in Moreira de Cónegos

In a press conference after the 0-3 win over Moreirense FC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the victory in Moreira de Cónegos (0-3).

Analysis of the game 
"It was a difficult playing surface, a bit soft, but the team didn't back down from the beginning to the end of the game. We wanted to show quality against a good team – a team that, if given space and time, would gain confidence playing at home – and we didn't stray from our game plan.

The support of our fans was very important: they made us feel as if we were at home, I only saw Sporting CP fans everywhere in the stands, and it was very important for the team to feel this ambition from the fans, which carries over to the team. We've had this ambition regardless of the scoreline. We could have done more, as Moreirense FC only had two chances after we made it 0-2, but the story from beginning to end of the game was that Sporting CP, thanks to our own merit and the winning mentality that the players showed today, dominated."

The trickiness of the game
"It was a difficult game; it was 0-0 at halftime. We controlled the contesr, we didn't let Moreirense FC get close to our goal, and they only had one free kick of any danger near the end of the first half. We controlled possession, but increasingly all of the teams defend well; they want points. In the second half we came back out strong, looking for goal more, and were more dynamic. The game unfolded as it did, but we earned the win. The victory is beyond dispute; the team didn't hide and the energy was always high. We never let up, against great opponents, at a difficult ground for us to visit in recent years.

We made the game easy because of our ambition and quality. Above all, I'm happy to see the team, even while we are winning, not giving up, focused defensively and going on the offensive. This speaks of the family spirit and unity of this team."

A special game for Rui Borges
"For me, it's clearly very special. I will be grateful to Moreirense FC and the people in the club's structure for the rest of my life. They gave me the opportunity to reach the top flight, and we had a great season there.

I felt at home there, and because of the friendship I have with everyone that gratitude will always be present."

Pedro Gonçalves' place
"Pote is another solution and has to be prepared to play or not play, like anyone else. Within each strategy and against each opponent, we will think about what makes the most sense. Pote is a difference maker. Above all, he is a player who can decide the game at any moment. Having everyone back makes the team stronger, more alive, more demanding, because they know that anyone can play at any moment."

Fotis Ioannidis' return
"I'm very happy to see Fotis back. Very happy indeed. He, too, is special and different. In terms of character and personality, he's fantastic. He deserves to be with the group and helps the team."

His family being at the game
"I went to celebrate with my goddaughter, who brings me good luck; we always win when she's there. I went to give her a kiss. I also went to give a kiss to all my family. My father wasn't there, but I send out a kiss for him too. I think it was the first time my nephew came to a football ground to see his uncle, and it makes me happy to have my family around."

His message at halftime
"The only difference in the pressing is that Geny [Catamo] was dropping back. We had Luís Guilherme high up the pitch, and Moreirense FC were gaining superiority. We were trying to adjust, but even so, Moreirense FC couldn't link up.

We were strong and, with a medium-high block, we recovered more balls, but if we adjusted, we would be even closer to being aggressive in closing down the defence. Geny didn't need to drop back so much,  because that could create a 3-on-2 advantage in an intermediate area for them, and we didn't want that to happen. Even with that small advantage, they did very little  to connect, due to the team's intensity."

Speed in the channels
"We were expecting it, because it happened at Alvalade: We improved in the second half because we were more dynamic and didn't stop with the ball as much. If we gain superiority on one side, we have to insist on it. Moreirense FC were hesitant in their marking, which gave us space to make decisions, whether it was with Maxi Araújo or Luís Guilherme. Whoever wasn't on the wing had to cut inside.

We needed more players getting into the box, and [Francisco] Trincão ended up in the penalty area. They gave us space for crosses, we had to exploit that and get more players forward. At halftime I said we had to insist on that, but be quicker, because we were giving Moreirense FC time to adjust."