Coach Rui Borges implemented a positive reinforcement strategy to recover Colombian player Suárez, who was going through a crisis at Sporting. The approach involved transmitting confidence to the athlete and believing in his potential, even during the difficult moment the player was facing.
Rui Borges's bet paid off, with Suárez responding positively on the pitch through goals scored. The player regained his confidence and demonstrated the quality that brought him to Sporting, contributing again to the team with his performances.
However, Rui Borges made a point of demonstrating that there are no indispensable players in the squad. Even after Suárez's recovery and his return to good performance levels, the coach did not hesitate to bench him when he considered it appropriate.
This situation illustrates Rui Borges's firm and balanced approach as Sporting's coach, who knew how to give opportunities to players during difficult moments, but maintains rigorous squad management, not creating unshakeable hierarchies and making technical decisions regardless of each player's recent past.
