Tavares Pereira: Sporting lacked everything in Champions, demands change | OneFootball

Fernando Tavares Pereira argues that "many things were missing" for Sporting in the match against Bodø/Glimt (3-0), in Norway, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Additionally, in a conversation for this Leonino Exclusive, the former candidate for the presidency of the Lions discussed the second leg at Alvalade, the possible achievement of a third consecutive championship, and the Club's elections, which will take place this Saturday, March 14.

"I classify this game as one in which, in truth, Sporting lacked everything. Everything was missing, not only in the 'battle' against the men of Bodø/Glimt, but also regarding the stadium. The fact that this team has not yet played official matches, it is obvious that they are in better physical condition and, comparing that to Sporting, who have already played a series of matches, it was naturally going to be difficult," he began by saying, in conversation with our newspaper.

Looking ahead to the second leg of the tie, the former candidate for the Club's presidency states: "There is always the possibility that the game will go well, but the will has to be there. There must be strength, creativity, and grit. As for the tactical part, the coach knows best and, if we fail, we have to take responsibility."

Regarding hopes for the possible achievement of a third consecutive championship, Fernando Tavares Pereira has his doubts: "I believe it will be very difficult, but I really hope it happens! However, the two draws against Braga and the defeat against Porto, at Alvalade, set us back. All that's left is to pray that Porto 'slips up' and I am rooting for that."

In conclusion, the former PSD deputy left his comment without favoritism regarding the Sporting elections, to be held this Saturday, March 14, between Frederico Varandas and Bruno Sá. However, the message was clear: "change."

"It is obvious that Frederico Varandas did a good job, brought titles to the Club and so on, but Bruno Sá stepped up, and that was necessary, just as when he said that 'Sporting belongs to everyone and not just a few.' The members feel abandoned and that has to change," he emphasized.

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