Rui Borges promises a starting eleven regardless of French toast …

Rui Borges gave a preview this Saturday of the match against Rio Ave for the 16th round of the Portuguese League. He spoke about the absence of Clayton, the forward for the Vila do Conde team who is suspended, and also about the choice of the starting eleven after Christmas.

Is Rio Ave weakened without Clayton?

I’ll give you an example of their game at the Estádio da Luz, where neither he nor André Luiz were starters. That clearly shows what Rio Ave is like. They’re a team that only lost in Moreira de Conegos away from home. They drew at the Luz and in Famalicão. That clearly shows their competitiveness. If we think it’s a game where we’ll score as time goes on, we’re mistaken. They’re a competitive team, strong in duels. They rely on counter-attacks, quick attacks. Good defensive transitions. With that in mind, we expect to be at our best to overcome a difficult team away from home.

Exaggerations at Christmas

They’re fine, they were respectful. They must have eaten a little, it’s part of the game. The starting eleven won’t be chosen based on French toast or fritters (laughs). They arrived safely and they’re professionals.