Pedro Geada on Sporting’s poor run: They’re taking a risk | OneFootball

Pedro Geada believes that Sporting still needs a high-level winger, and that Rui Borges is taking a risk by completely changing the tactical structure of the team. In this exclusive Leonino interview, the former director of our newspaper discussed the current state of the team.

"It's an important victory, firstly because three points in the Champions League are always crucial, besides the financial and sporting impact. Six points in three Champions League games for Sporting's European level is perfectly in line with expectations, and this is the level where Sporting needs to be. It also helps to calm some doubts and feelings people have about the current Sporting team," Pedro Geada began, speaking about the victory against Marseille.

The former Leonino director continued, when asked about the team's poor phase: "Rui Borges and, essentially, Sporting's structure are taking a risk by changing the mechanics and logic that Ruben Amorim implemented since 2020 with the 3x4x3 formation, and they are risking moving to another system. Is it the smartest choice with the players they have? The results are still somewhat lacking, but the legacy and the trust capital that the fans have with Rui Borges, and with the results... Because for better or worse, Rui Borges, even building on Ruben Amorim's foundation, managed to remain, become a two-time champion, and achieve the double. It's still unclear whether Rui Borges will enter a downward spiral or if he will manage to implement his model and make this transition. It is indeed a risk that should be taken because changing a system with the players and a backbone of the team for which it was formatted. We will indeed go through some transitional moments, but it is what it is."

"I would say there is a more important issue than strengthening the squad, which is strengthening the system and defensive dynamics. I think one of the weaknesses has been the defensive behavior, the fact that it is not compact in those moments of the game. For the tactic that Rui Borges wants, he needs a more accelerated and aggressive dynamic, so that a line of four can withstand and get through the tough moments that each game has in a different way. Anyway, if he overcomes these more organic difficulties in the way of playing, I think he has the capacity to achieve the three-time championship and advance to the next stage of the Champions League. Never underestimating, one must be aware of the priorities, and one must be aware that the primary goal is the three-time championship, which keeps Sporting at the forefront. And despite Porto's leadership, both Porto and Benfica are in a more weakened context compared to the past decade, and this should be taken advantage of," Pedro Geada further explained regarding possible improvements in the green and white squad.

Finally, he spoke about Alisson, and the winger who did not arrive at Alvalade in the summer: "To implement a greater offensive dynamic, according to the tactic and logic that Rui Borges wants to implement at Sporting, despite everything, I would say that a winger of great quality, dynamism, and stride is needed to energize Sporting's attack. Maybe Alisson will surprise and manage to provide that, but I believe a high-quality winger was necessary to give this team an extra boost."

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