Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges has called on supporters to remain patient as his team adapts to major squad changes ahead of Saturday's Liga Portugal match against Alverca.
Borges emphasized the need to build on Sporting's recent victory against Vitoria de Guimaraes while warning that Alverca present a significant threat in the third matchday of the league season.
Sporting CP, based in Lisbon, are one of Portugal's traditional powerhouse football clubs, competing in Liga Portugal alongside primary rivals Benfica and Porto.
Tactical preparation for Alverca match
Despite their position, Alverca recorded one of the highest numbers of shots on target across the first two league matches, according to Borges.
The manager explained that Sporting spent the week analyzing ways to exploit Alverca, noting that his team must maintain structural balance when losing possession while operating in an offensive setup with a high defensive block.
Ahead of the fixture, Borges confirmed that defenders Ivan Fresneda and Zeno Debast, alongside midfielder Ibrahima Ba, are fully available for selection.
Future of Braganca and Pedro Goncalves
Borges also addressed the status of Daniel Braganca and Pedro Goncalves, two players currently not featuring in team plans as they seek to define their futures away from the club.
The manager described their desire for new challenges as natural, noting that both players have won every domestic trophy in Portugal multiple times during their tenure at Sporting.
Borges stressed that their situation was not due to managerial exclusion, confirming that neither player has been forced to train separately from the group and stating he would be more than happy to keep both Braganca and Goncalves if they remain.
Transfer speculation and rival movements
Addressing transfer interest from English side Sunderland in winger Geny Catamo, Borges declined to discuss details but praised the player's fantastic work, strong performances, and complete focus on Sporting.
The coach's comments come as Sporting president Frederico Varandas maintains pressure on Borges to navigate squad adjustments and maintain strong results.
Borges also dismissed questions regarding former Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha completing a move to rival club Benfica, stating he was not concerned about his neighbor's house.
Squad transition and Luis Suarez incident
Expressing complete satisfaction with midfielder Sergi Altimira, Borges reiterated that navigating squad turnover requires time and patience from fans.
Borges also downplayed a recent situation involving forward Luis Suarez, clarifying that the matter was a non-issue as no lack of respect had occurred.
