The coach talks after the 1-2 defeat in the Taça de Portugal final

Following the loss in the Taça de Portugal final against SCU Torreense, Rui Borges, gave his analysis of the match in his press conference.

Analysis of the game
“We needed to be more proactive than reactive. We were always just trying to react to every moment and we didn't have the intensity we wanted in the final third. Despite everything, we controlled the game, except for the first set piece where SCU Torreense -to their credit- converted. They deserved to score and were fortunate enough to score the first goal. We were always chasing the game against a team that defend very well, with lines of five, six or seven players. This made our task difficult and we never managed to be the true Sporting CP.

We have to lift our heads up and understand what we have to do better -not only in this game but throughout the season. It's tough, because with everything we've shown throughout the season we deserved it, but it's not enough. We should have done more and been better, but we weren't able to.”

Conceding an early goal
“If we didn’t win, it’s because we didn’t deserve to; the opponents deserved it, because they were effective, whether they played well or poorly. I think conceding the goal early created some distrust and even some mental fatigue. We were playing against a lower-division team, but that didn’t mean anything. I had said that before. We weren’t able to be an above-par Sporting CP.”

The impact of a defeat in the last game of the season
“It leaves a mark on the group, because we wanted to win and we weren’t able to. At Sporting CP, we have to feel and understand what we need to improve so we don’t reach the end of the season without any trophies. Nobody wants that, we don’t like it, and the fans don’t either, which is natural.”

Review of a trophyless season
“It wasn't a positive campaign, because what we were able to do throughout the season had to culminate in trophies for that. We reached finals, but we didn't manage it. We can't be happy with how the season went, of course. We have to understand what we need to improve so that in the future we can be a stronger Sporting CP.

At key moments we weren't as strong as we should have been, and we have to understand why. The club live for trophies, we didn't achieve them and it hurts, of course. It hurts for everyone.”

The fans expressing their displeasure at the final whistle
“Discontent is natural. It's part of the game -as long as there's respect. They're certainly not sadder than we are. We really wanted to win. The fans were relentless in their support and we have to live with this discontent.”

Ousmane Diomande starting on the bench
“It was a decision, only and solely. In the last game the team played very well, and he didn't play. It was my decision and we didn't lose the Taça de Portugal because Diomande didn't play from the start.”

More pressure for next season
“I arrived at Sporting CP already ‘under fire’. The criticism we receive is natural, and it would be a bad thing if it weren’t that way. The fans aren’t happy, just as we aren’t. It’s normal at any club in the world, so I understand. I hold my head high, do my job, and continue on my path.”