Sporting coach Rui Borges previews the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi=finals.
Rui Borges expects a FC Porto in his own image in the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi=finals, which will be played on Wednesday (8:45 pm) at the Dragao stadium , where Sporting hopes to be well received after the recent controversies involving the two clubs.
Analysis of the opponent
I expect a very competitive game, with FC Porto playing in their usual style. They are a very intense team in the initial stages of pressure, especially at home. It’s a two=legged tie, they are losing, and it’s natural that they will intensify that pressure. But they are also a team that organizes itself into a very competitive medium/low block when they realize they can’t press. It won’t stray too far from FC Porto’s image, a very strong team physically. Whether on the ground or in the air, they are a very strong team in duels. That will make the game very competitive. Sporting will also present themselves in their usual style. They will be two teams that will want to win and be in the Cup final.
Incidents during Sporting’s recent visits to the Dragao stadium.
You have to ask the opponent that. What I do know is that FC Porto has always been very well received at Alvalade. We hope to be received the same way.
Is the team affected by the end of the game against Benfica?
Sometimes, more than physical fatigue, it’s the accumulation of mental fatigue. Right now, it’s quite noticeable. The fans certainly feel it, but no more than we do. But we have to be balanced. If a few months ago people were asking me about winning games in the 90th or 92nd minute, now I’ve lost two important games in the 94th. That’s football, and we have to know how to deal with it in the best way. The team gave everything, both in the game against Arsenal at home and against Benfica, where suddenly we were winning 2-1 and then we were losing 2-1. It’s the emotions of the game. I’m very cold in that sense and I try to convey that to the players, to make them understand the importance of the next game, which could put us in two finals (Portuguese Cup and Super Cup).