Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges has defended his team’s tactical approach following their 2–1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, responding to criticism from PSG manager Luis Enrique and sections of the football community.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Borges addressed concerns over Sporting’s defensive style of play, which many observers and supporters described as overly cautious, despite the Portuguese side securing all three points at home.
PSG dominated possession for long periods of the match, and the frustration was evident on the Parisian bench. Luis Enrique later remarked that football could be “an unfair and crappy sport,” reflecting his disappointment with the result.
However, Borges stood firmly by his tactical decisions, insisting that football allows for different strategies depending on circumstances and available resources.
“I understand the criticism,” Borges said. “They played an excellent match. But apart from the disallowed goals, they only created two really dangerous chances. Yes, they dominated us, but football is a game of many strategies.”
The Sporting coach went on to draw comparisons with similar scenarios in Spain’s top flight.
“In La Liga, you often face teams that defend deep, and you have to adapt. That’s football. With the strategy we chose and the players we had at our disposal, I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome.”
Borges concluded by praising his players for their discipline, commitment, and ability to execute the game plan against one of Europe’s strongest sides — a performance that ultimately delivered a memorable Champions League victory for Sporting.




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