Iván Fresneda started on Sporting's bench for a reason; find out why | OneFootball

Sporting introduced some changes in their Champions League opener against Galatasaray (3-1), with Rui Borges opting for Georgios Vagiannidis on the right side of the defense. The decision was not merely technical, but also linked to the need to manage the physical condition ofIván Fresneda.

Squad management is especially important this season, after the physical wear and tear on key players was pointed to as one of the reasons behind the Lions’ less successful end to the campaign, which ended with defeat to Torreense in the Portuguese Cup final.

With a deeper squad now and several positions covered by more than two options, Rui Borges has greater room to rotate players and avoid a similar overload. That strategy was clearly on display against Galatasaray.

The coach made three changes compared to the opening games of the season. Eduardo Quaresma and Vagiannidis therefore benefited from the management plan put in place for Debast and Fresneda, who are still regaining their rhythm after the physical issues that affected their preparation.

Now, with the first European fixture behind them, the focus is on the trip to Famalicão next Sunday. Rui Borges may bring back Debast, Fresneda and Flávio Gonçalves, while Ibrahima Ba is also close to returning to the pitch.

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