The coach says the Danish midfielder contracted flu-like symptoms.
Statements by Rui Borges, Sporting’s coach, in a press conference after the 6-0 victory against AVS, in a match counting towards the 14th round:
Gonçalo Inácio left due to management issues.
“Yes, Inácio was moved to management because he wasn’t at 100 percent. There was no need to take that risk, especially since we’re going to play with Diomande. We didn’t want to take that risk because he wasn’t completely at 100 percent. He’s fine, but he needs to recover a little more.
Hjulmand is a leader
As for Morten [Hjulmand], he was out because he was sick. He had symptoms, I don’t know if they were flu-like or something similar, a virus. Ivan [Fresneda] was also sick. Luis [Suárez] was also sick, but all three were better. Let me talk about Morten. In my pre-match speech, I mentioned him and I want to emphasize this. Because, for me, he demonstrated what it means to be a leader. He could have played, but he was honest with me. He told me he wasn’t 100 percent, that there were better teammates than him to play and he preferred someone at 100 percent. That, for me, was an example of leadership. He showed respect for his teammates and the team. He could have played at 50 percent, but he preferred to be honest, and that shows incredible character. For me, that’s what it means to be a true captain.”
Players from team B
“The players from the B team have been working with us every week. They are all prepared to respond. Any player from the B team who could become part of the main team has the full confidence of the coaching staff. We are attentive to their work and, if they reach the main team, it will be because they have the quality for it. We await the moment and the opportunity. If they have to play, they will play. Regardless of the costs, we have to be competitive and I want to win. Games are like that, with difficulties. But I’m calm about it. I wish I had everyone, I don’t. With those I have, I will win.