Inácio hits out at Luis Suárez: “He runs Sporting, does as he likes” | OneFootball

Augusto Inácio believes it is premature to sack Rui Borges and feels that Sporting’s problems are far from being attributable solely to the coach. The former Sporting manager points the finger at the club’s structure and the players, while also highlighting Luis Suárez’s attitude and the lack of leadership on the pitch.

Speaking to the newspaper A Bola, the national champion with Sporting in 1999/2000 recalled the major overhaul carried out in the squad. “Everything that is happening cannot be pinned on just one man. I know he is the most vulnerable when the team does not win, but I think blaming only him is an oversimplification,” he began by saying.

Augusto Inácio believes Frederico Varandas should also be included in the analysis, recalling that it was the board that pushed for a major change within the group. For the former coach, Rui Borges was forced to build practically a new team and, therefore, ‘there are ups and downs in things that are still being built.’

Even so, Inácio acknowledges that the next match could be hugely important. “I think it is still premature to be sacking the coach, I think he should be given a bit more time, which is what Frederico Varandas is doing.” About the visit to Braga, he warned: “It will be a decisive match”, admitting that another defeat could make the situation “unsustainable.”

The former coach then directly targeted Luis Suárez. “I look at Luis Suárez and it seems like he is the best player in the world, like he owns the whole thing, he does whatever he wants, argues with the referees, argues with his teammates, argues with opponents, argues with everything and everyone, and is always protected by the president and the coach.”

Inácio believes Rui Borges may have to take a tougher approach in the dressing room. “Sometimes, with football players and team spirit, and being in charge of a squad of 27 or 28 players, it requires that every now and then—I don’t know what he says in there—he bangs his fist on the table,” he said, adding that “there is clearly something there that is not right, but the players also have to be held accountable”.

The former coach also rejects messages of confidence that are not reflected on the pitch. “If this continues, Sporting will get nowhere. The truth has to be told, eye to eye, face to face,” he said, before sharing the blame: “Everyone is guilty: the president, the board, the coach and the players”.

the armband should be with Maxi Araújo: “I think Sporting’s captain should be Maxi Araújo. He is the one who drives the team forward, he is someone who tells the truth.”

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