We are used to hearing from coaches at the European big clubs that weather, wind and artificial turf gave Bodø/Glimt the victory. Sporting’s coach could not complain about the weather and barely mentions the surface. For the Bodø/Glimt supporters, it is probably extra nice before leaving for Lisbon next week to hear that Sporting were not taken by surprise, they were fully prepared for what ended with a 3-0 loss in the first round of 8.
-Artificial grass is not the same as natural grass, but that cannot be an excuse for us. Of course, it has an impact – especially for a team like ours, who would like to have the ball, but that can’t be used as an excuse,” Rui Borges begins according to A Bola.
READ: BBC has already booked date for Bodø/Glimt with Arsenal
Okay, a little about the surface, now to the core:
-The opponent’s strategy did not surprise me. We were prepared for everything that happened in the game,” the Sporting coach continues.
As with this, the Bodø/Glimt game had no surprises, the Glimt players were just so much, much better.
-Because if we don’t have the will to play and run, it doesn’t help with the tactics. We lacked the competitive part,” says Borges.
Which still can’t pull in the surface.
“We want to find out what we can improve. Whether it was fatigue, or if it was the pitch, I don’t know…, the Sporting coach concludes.
The Italian media jazzed up all the problems the Bodø/Glimt players would have at the San Siro before the second leg against Inter Milan, with its natural grass, bigger pitch and gigantic punch from the home supporters. Sporting coach Borges understands the Bodø/Glimt player not only copes, but loves the conditions away from home at the European big clubs.
Read on F7: Atletico Madrid aim for Norwegian supermate of Sørloth
This means that the Bodø/Glimt game Sporting were fully prepared for in the game that ended with a 3-0 loss to the Portuguese will come with the same strength – at high octane – in Lisbon next week.
