In anticipation of the game with Athletic Bilbao, Rui Borges was asked about his journey as a coach and remembered with pride where it all began, at Mirandela. The Sporting coach also revealed why he still wears a 20-euro watch.
Seven years ago he trained Mirandela and beat Torcatense
«He was thinner, he had less [cabelos] white people, it was starting… evolution is part of the daily challenges. The growth was good, because we arrived at Sporting. Fernando, my assistant coach, was showing me some photos on the plane from that year and he was laughing at me. Seven or eight years ago, no one would have thought that we would be at Sporting playing in the Champions League, in a great stadium, with a great team. Each club we played at was important for our growth. I thank everyone. The challenge was always different and made us grow. We learn from players, from those who work at the club on a daily basis. It all started way back when I was 26 years old and I started coaching Mirandela’s youth team. I went through all the levels, from under-6 to under-19. That made me grow and be prepared.”
Career as a coach and the 20-euro watch
«I feel like a very simple person and Casio is always there. 20 euros. €19.90. I remember my journey, where I came from and what it cost me. Just because I’m here now doesn’t mean I’m going to have a 500 or 1,000 euro watch. Now the stadiums all have timers, there was no need for clocks. It defines who I am. I’m a simple, honest, direct person and I will always be like that, I can’t always be like that. I’m simple and humble, because sometimes, excessive humility is vanity. I am very honest, very direct with everyone, a friend of a friend, I don’t forget whoever helps me and I will always be grateful to anyone who helps me. I will always be like this, Rui de Mirandela.”
,fit(1200:))