Sporting’s head coach, Rui Borges, expressed relief and satisfaction after his team returned to second place in the league standings, overtaking rivals Benfica following a commanding 4-1 victory over Rio Ave. “Being second again brings us tranquility,” Borges told reporters after the match. The win at Estádio José Alvalade propelled Sporting above Benfica, reinforcing their push for a strong finish in the Primeira Liga. Borges acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, “We cannot drop our arms because we still have a difficult game.” He also provided updates on player fitness, revealing that defenders Vagiannidis and Debast are under evaluation after sustaining injuries in training. When asked about midfielder Bragança’s contract renewal, Borges said, “It doesn’t rely much on the coach, but we count on him.” The manager dismissed speculation about his own future, stating, “If I would sign a renewal now? Now is not the time to think about contracts.” On the potential transfer of Zalazar, he confirmed, “There is total understanding between Sporting and Sp. Braga, and between Sporting and the player.”
