Minho-style pressure. Rui Borges forced to change history in Braga

O recent vote of confidence given by the direction of Sporting to Rui Borges can smoke quickly in case of another trip on the visit to Sp. Braga, scheduled for October 9. The lion coach was in a very fragile situation after the home draw with the Arouca, being six points away from the leader FC Porto, but the SAD led by Frederico Varandas chose, after an emergency meeting, to hold Rui Borges, who will now have to do what he has not been able to do since he took over the Lion technical command: win in Braga. 

Borges has already led Sporting in three fights with Sp. Braga, adding so many draws, two in Alvalade and one in the Pedreira.

In this sense, and taking into account the current panorama of the season, with a revolution of the squad in summer, the main goal is to win in Minho, corresponding to the decision of Varandas and recovering the hope of the adherents. 

Singing the visits of Rui Borges to the Quarreira, and recovering the passages by Moreirense and Vitória SC, only for once, for a total of four occasions, the now coach of Sporting managed to leave the house of Sp. Braga with the three points in his pocket. It happened in September 2024, more than two years ago, thanks to the goals of João Mendes and Tomás Ribeiro. 

Prior to that, Borges had reported a defeat at the service of Moreirense and another disengagement at Vitória SC, this in the League Cup. 

In March this year he went to the city of the archbishops, by Sporting, to draw a draw, letting the victory in the discounts escape. 

Besides, the last time Sporting could win in Braga the coach in office was... Ruben Amorim, who said goodbye to the lions in this match before heading to England to take over the technical command of Manchester United. 

In almost two years much has changed and Sporting now needs to give a thorough test at the Quarreira, ending the crisis that settled around Rui Borges, under pain to see once again the rivals FC Porto and Benfica gain ground in the fight for the title. 

Balconies grab Borges 

Frederico Varandas did not want to leave Rui Borges alone at the center of the criticisms and went out in his defense, denying even that there was no meeting to discuss the situation of Mirandela's natural trainer. 

“ It is important to mention that everyone makes mistakes. Rui Borges' place was never in question. We're talking statistical data, the 17th time Sporting loses the edge in a year and a half. It is a fact, there is no denying”, explained Varandas, a week ago, in the margins of Portugal Football Globes, gala promoted by the Portuguese Football Federation, before pointing to the merits of Borges. 

“ He is the coach with the most home wins at Champions, coach with the most straight wins at Alvalade, with a smaller percentage of losses in Sporting history. He made two seasons, always scored 82 points, once national champion, won a Cup of Portugal. The statistical data of the 17 games is relevant, one detail. But if you ask any partner if you would like to have these statistical data, the museum would be spectacular”, said the top leader of Sporting 

However, even in the face of these words from the president of Sporting, the results are what is in charge of football. The lions have already lost much ground for FC Porto and a possible new trip in Braga can trigger all alarms in Alvalade. The duel of the 8th day promises to warm the Portuguese football, and FC Porto, who visits the Maritime, and Benfica, who receives the Victoria SC, only go to play in the following days.