The coach spoke about the departures, but also about Hjulmand’s recovery and Zalazar’s arrival.
Rui Borges spoke about the departures of Geovany Quenda and Morita, the recovery of Morten Hjulmand, but also addressed the arrival of Zalazar, in the press conference that followed the victory over Gil Vicente in the last round of the championship.
Farewell to Geovany Quenda and Morita?
They are two great players, different from each other. One is just starting out, and he will be very good because of his quality. He made a big impact on Sporting and helped the team a lot. I wish him the best of luck; he’s a special kid. Morita is a different kind of player; I’m a big admirer of his, I learned a lot from him. I’m sad to see him leave, but happy for everything he gave to Sporting, not only his footballing quality but also his human qualities. Having had the good fortune to play with him is something I will never forget. He will be someone special to me. That’s how the world of football is; some go, others come. It’s nostalgic because he’s a special player. They will be part of Sporting’s history.
What did he say to Morita at that moment when they were embracing?
Thank you for everything you’ve helped us with, not only the coaching staff but Sporting as a whole. It’s a delight to watch you play. I can only express my gratitude for the role model you are for the group. Your teammates have enormous respect for you.
Zalazar is already confirmed. What can he bring to the team?
He’s a player who had a great season, an international player, and he’s a player who will give us many solutions in terms of team dynamics. He’s clearly above average in footballing terms, and we believe he is also above average in human terms. He has enormous ambition, reflecting what Sporting, the club, is all about. I hope he has a very happy future, building on the great season he had this year.
Do the millions from the Champions League make you more confident about Sporting’s ability to retain players?
I’m very cold-hearted, I love my players, I love Morten… all of them. Morita will always be very special, he’s a great player. It’s part of the game… it is what it is… I have to have the ability to make Sporting strong again. That’s what we want and that’s what we’re going to work for, regardless of the players. If you ask me… of course I don’t want any of them to leave, they had a great season. We have to move on and keep our heads up. We did everything, at some points we didn’t succeed. We’re in the Cup final. We reached the Champions League quarter=finals. In the league we fought until the end. That perfectly identifies the spirit of this group.
Hjulmand went to the game and it smelled like he was leaving.
He’s recovered. Yesterday I said he was already working on the field, I just didn’t say he was available. He’s a great captain, like all the others we have. Dani and Inacio have already played with limitations. Morten did the same, even in pain he wanted to be here, he didn’t hide. Vagiannidis doesn’t have a very famous foot and he had a great first half. This is the Vagiannidis we want over time. I believe he will have a great season.
Debast has been called up by Belgium for the World Cup. Is he fit?
Debast has a problem; if the national team believes he can be a valuable asset, then he’s an option.
Will Sporting allow Debast to play in the World Cup?
We are obliged to let him go to the national team; it’s not our decision. Our medical staff agrees with the national team’s. It’s a decision for the national team.
Which players have improved the most throughout the season?
I think all of them, but perhaps Maxi, are growing a lot in their position. Trincão is the one who has grown the most tactically. At times he has different tasks and has grown in that aspect. Fresneda had a great season. Geny is one of those who has grown the most, a more mature player.
Is Ioannidis a possibility for the Cup final?
It could be the solution for the final.