Leonino exclusive: Micael Sequeira under fire, Varandas acts | OneFootball

Micael Sequeira is going through a delicate spell at the helm of Sporting’s women’s team, but Frederico Varandas has no intention of dropping the coach, Leonino knows. Despite the criticism that has persisted since last season and the recent European results, the board’s confidence remains intact.

According to what our newspaper has learned, the Sporting president believes Micael Sequeira should be given time to work and to build a team that once again underwent several changes during the last transfer window. The arrivals and departures in the squad are seen internally as a factor that requires some leeway to create new routines and stabilize performances.

That does not mean, however, that the coach’s position is completely immune to pressure.Sporting were recently knocked out of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup by Brondby, after losing 4-1 in Denmark and drawing 2-2 in the second leg, played in Alcochete.

Before that, the Lionesses had already missed out on reaching the next stage of the Women’s Champions League after losing to St. Pölten in Austria on penalties. Two European blows that increased the criticism surrounding the coaching staff.

In Liga BPI, Sporting have two wins and one draw from the first three matchdays, although the most recent draw against Braga raised less convincing signs, with the green-and-whites managing only three shots on target.

The pressure on Micael Sequeira did not begin this season, however. In 2025/26, Sporting finished the league in second place, but 13 points behind Benfica, who collected 48 to the Lionesses’ 35. The performances prompted criticism and doubts that carried over into the new campaign.

Even so, Frederico Varandas showed confidence in the coach when Sporting announced on 14 May 2026 a two-season contract extension, until 2028. That position remains unchanged: Micael Sequeira is under pressure because of the run of results and the criticism, but the board intends to give him the conditions and time to prove he can turn the team around.

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