The Sporting coach also recalled his first steps in his coaching career, eight years ago, at Vimioso.
Rui Borges assesses Sporting’s participation in the Champions League, praises the campaigns of Sp. Braga and FC Porto, who play for their place in the Europa League on Thursday, and expresses confidence regarding the upcoming season:
Assessment of the European campaign
I don’t live for recognition, but for pride in what I do and my work. That’s why I’m here, because of the work of this technical team. Before the game, the technical team joked that eight years ago we were starting this journey on an artificial pitch in Vimioso, and today we’re here. That made us laugh, the journey has been fantastic. It’s beautiful. Winning or not, I’m exactly the same person, balanced and calm. “The overall assessment (of our participation in the Champions League) is very positive. We made history for Sporting. We have to lift our heads and look back, proud of what we did. We have to feel that this is the beginning of a dream, of growth that Sporting has been experiencing at all levels, both internally and externally. We have to be able to maintain this path. This season we earned the respect of people looking at Sporting differently, and not only that. Looking at Portuguese teams and our league differently, because the appreciation is not only for Sporting, but also for the teams in our league, which are good and have good players. May this journey serve that purpose.
Could strong performances from Portuguese teams in Europe become the norm?
I know that Portuguese football is good, but sometimes we don’t value it enough. We have to. Sporting Braga and FC Porto are also having great seasons in Europe, and that makes us all more valuable. I’m Portuguese, and I always want Portuguese teams to win; that makes me proud. We’re a small country, but we can compete with the best. That’s what we’ve been showing.
Does Pedro Goncalves need a rest?
That’s your opinion, but it’s not mine. He played a good game; the team even dropped off a bit after he left. He’s looking for his best form, which is natural, and we understand that. But he remains an important player, and he played well today. His numbers speak for themselves and define his importance to Sporting and to the group.
Next season
They’re going to start talking about a lot of names, they’ve already started. I know that the next season is being prepared calmly and with a lot of communication. Greatness lies in Sporting, not in the players and their coach. We still have a lot to think about this season, that’s what we’re focused on. We really want to fight for the championship and the Cup final.