Rui Borges Asserts Any Sporting Striker Can Lead the Attack
Rui Borges, the head coach of Sporting Lisbon, emphasized that any striker in his squad can lead the attack. This assertion comes ahead of Sporting’s match against Famalicão in the 22nd round of the Liga Portugal.
Striker Flexibility in Sporting’s Lineup
During a press conference, Borges addressed concerns over the absence of Luis Suárez, who is suspended following a series of yellow cards. He reiterated that the team is not solely reliant on Suárez, despite his impressive record of 19 goals in 21 matches.
Options for the Striker Role
- Borges noted that various players have trained for the striker position, including:
- Trincão
- Faye
- Rafael Nel
Ioannidis, another potential substitute for Suárez, remains uncertain due to fitness concerns. Borges stated, “Any player up front can perform as a striker. I am confident in their abilities.” He specifically mentioned Trincão as a capable alternative.
Injury Updates and League Context
In addition to Suárez’s suspension, the coach is missing several players, including Debast, Quenda, and Kochorashvili. Geny Catamo is also doubtful after leaving the last match with discomfort.
Sporting currently occupies second place in the league with 52 points, trailing FC Porto by four points. The recent draw against FC Porto allowed Benfica to narrow the gap, placing them just three points behind Sporting.
Upcoming Match Details
Sporting will host Famalicão on Sunday at 20:30 at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The match will be officiated by referee David Rafael Silva from the Porto Football Association. Borges remains focused on reclaiming the top position in the standings.
As he stated, “I always aim for the top spot. This mindset has driven me throughout my career.” Sporting will aim to secure a vital victory to regain their advantage over Benfica and maintain pursuit of FC Porto.
