The coach talks after the victory over GD Estoril Praia

Following his team’s 3-0 win over GD Estoril Praia, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the game in a press conference at the Estadio José Alvalade.
 
The impressive performance
“It’s a credit to the work of the team, the coaching staff, and the structure. It was a game of two halves. We started very well, because it was important to create discomfort for GD Estoril Praia, who have quality in their attack. We were proactive in reacting to losing possession, and with the ball we were very dynamic, with a lot of positional variability. We got into the final third with quality and scored the first two goals by attacking behind the opposition’s defensive line. We had a great first half. In the second, we made many mistakes in our passing and allowed GD Estoril Praia to gain confidence, giving them more possession in our midfield. Nevertheless, we remained very focused. The central defence pairing had a great game, and I think Gonçalo Inácio had one of his best games of the season. We managed to stay focused and were also able to get out of our own half, creating real danger.

Pedro Gonçalves staying on the bench
“He didn’t come on because he didn’t feel one hundred percent fit. We opted not to expose him to any risks and, in some way, conserve him."

Being drawn against FK Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League
"They are a great team and have beaten big teams in Europe. Anyone who thinks the draw was good for us is mistaken. They are a very competitive, intense team that will create many problems for us. They are in the Round of 16 because they have a lot of quality and have beaten great teams. Until then, we still have to play FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal and SC Braga in Liga Portugal, two games that will demand a lot from us. We will have to be prepared for them."

João Simões’ place
"Simões came on before Daniel Bragança today. It has a lot to do with moments in the game, strategies, the opposition and more. Morita had both a fantastic first half and start to the second. João has also had great games. It’s about the moment and the strategy; he hasn't lost his place. On the contrary, this makes the team stronger, with everyone at a very high level. Today he came on and played very well. Dani came on next. I'm happy, above all, to have all three of them available. Dani is growing in terms of confidence and is improving physically, because his technical quality and vision are out of this world.”

The third goal coming from Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança
“I wish they hadn't gone through the injuries. Nuno's decision making is phenomenal. Dani did an exceptional job, but Nuno's pass, which seems simple, is only simple for him. It makes me want to laugh because I'd like to have him at one hundred percent fitness. He's aware that the break was long and he needs time to be the best Nuno. I’m very happy to have both of them back, because they are always necessary players on the pitch.”

Luis Suárez making fans forget about Gyökeres
“I’ve already said that I only think about the players I have. He’s had a great season and scored two goals, but he lost possession more often than usual. Not everything is perfect with him, but he had a good game. He’s been important to the team, but he reflects the good things the collective are doing.”

Luis Guilherme’s response 
“There are no undisputed starters, but his adaptation has been very good. He has met expectations, adapted to the ideas, and increasingly identifies with Sporting CP. It seems to me that he’s a kid with a fantastic future ahead of him, but he’ll have to continue working hard because he’s in a team full of great players.”

FC Porto’s victory against FC Arouca
“I’m focused on what we control, and only on our game. We did our job, we won, and that’s how we have to keep going. I won’t talk about refereeing decisions, I didn’t even see the [penalty] incident.”

Sporting CP’s form ahead of the game against FC Porto
“The games are difficult for everyone. It's not about a phase in the season, but about the opponents and what is at stake. The pressure is on. We'll see maximum effort in every game, and against FC Porto it won't be any different. It's going to be a great game between the two teams at the top of the league table. It's the first of two games against them, but we really want to continue in the competition and defend the cup. We're facing the team that's in first place in the league, which means they're the strongest team."