Carlos Saleiro questions Rui Borges call in Sporting v Galatasaray: unclear | OneFootball

Carlos Saleiro believes Sporting are finding more and more stability after the major overhaul they underwent in the summer. After the 3-1 win over Galatasaray, the former Lions striker highlighted Luis Suárez as a key figure and expressed confidence in Rodrigo Zalazar’s development.

Speaking to ‘Desporto ao Minuto’, Saleiro began with the Colombian international. “Clearly, it is very important for Suárez to be doing well physically and psychologically as well, because he is, in my view, an indispensable player in Sporting’s style of play. He is clearly the best striker".

The former Sporting player believes Suárez’s worst spell is already behind him. “Obviously, he went through a less positive period, partly because of the expectations created by the transfer market, both for him and for the fans, and even for the club’s structure. But looking at his last few games and even Suárez’s most recent statements, Suárez is back".

Saleiro also stressed the importance of the ‘number 97’ for the team’s collective play. “I think it is hugely important because, as I said, he is the best striker, he scores goals and also makes the team play better. If Suárez is doing well, Sporting can only benefit from that.”

Another name discussed was Rodrigo Zalazar, who scored a great goal against Galatasaray. “Zalazar is this type of player, with a lot of grit, who gives himself completely to the game, useful in at least two positions, in this Sporting style of play, in this tactical system. He is a player who is a real asset".

The former Lions striker also asked for time for the Uruguayan to adapt. “Obviously, he needs time to adapt so he can take on new ideas and get to know new teammates and surroundings. I think that is all natural. Now, his commitment is very important to me. He scored a brilliant goal and I think it will give him more confidence. This type of goal makes people look at him differently again".

Carlos Saleiro also admitted he found Flávio Gonçalves’ absence from the starting eleven against Galatasaray surprising. “Looking at Sporting’s recent starting line-ups, Flávio Gonçalves’ absence was hard to understand, but we also do not know how he was physically or how the workload is being managed".

Even so, he said he was convinced the youngster would quickly return to the starting line-up. “Flávio deserved to start. I think he will be back in the eleven in the next round, because he has made a very good start to the season and is another pleasant surprise from the Sporting Academy, and that deserves to be valued".

On the European campaign, Carlos Saleiro believes the Lions have what it takes to go far again. “I think Sporting are getting better and better, more stable, more confident, with the players getting to know each other better. And I think this, obviously, has brought back, in these last few games, some memories of past successes at the club".

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.