The Defeat That Leaves a Mark, What Was Missing, and the Future: Everything Rui Borges Said

- Sporting ends the season losing a title. What happened to this team for them to miss that objective?
- I believe we didn't win, so we didn't deserve it. Whether we produced a lot or a little, the opponent was effective. And Sporting was always a very reactive team. It's normal that conceding a goal so early would create more distrust or mental fatigue than what was already happening. Being a lower-tier team created instability, and we couldn't perform with the above-average quality we've shown at various points this season.

- Do you feel this defeat will leave a mark and somehow jeopardize your position, given your recent contract renewal?
- It leaves a mark on the group because we weren't able to... win. And no one wanted this victory more than us.

- You said it would be a positive season with this title... how did you view the fans' protests?
- Discontent can always exist as long as there's respect. As I said, no one is sadder than us. The fans supported this team a lot, and we have to learn to live with that discontent, as long as there are no acts of disrespect. But I was on the pitch, and I don't think it was anything out of the ordinary. The season? Of course, it wasn't positive because we needed to combine our football with trophies, and we didn't succeed. We wanted to be champions and we couldn't, so we can't be happy. We all need to improve.

- You said you always wanted to be in contention for decisions but couldn't. What was missing?
- What was missing? It's clear we weren't able to win in key moments, and we ended up not being as strong as we wanted to be.

- Why did you leave Diomande on the bench? Any physical issues?
- It was a choice, my decision. He didn't play in the last game, and the team won. I don't think that's why Sporting didn't win.

- What lessons do you take away for the future? What do you need to do differently next season?
- We need to coldly analyze what we need to improve in terms of planning, everything. Think dispassionately and understand how we can grow.

- You were met with loud boos at the end. Do you fear this result will lead to you starting next season under pressure?
- I already joined Sporting under pressure. It would be strange if it weren't the case at a club with Sporting's stature. It's something I understand and accept. We need to stay on our path and work even harder to understand where we can be better in the future.