Football | OneFootball

André Pinotes Batista recalled Rui Borges’ arrival as head coach of Sporting. The Mirandela native – who received good news in the latest training session – walked through the doors of the Alvalade Club in December 2024, succeeding Ruben Amorim and a brief stint by João Pereira.

“At the end of 2024, the shock caused by Ruben Amorim’s abrupt departure shook the Lion’s kingdom, which had until then been dominant. This was followed by a very brief misadventure by João Pereira and, with it, a sudden fall that left the dust of instability and fear hanging over Alvalade,” he told the newspaper Record.

Next, Pinotes Batista explains the difficult situation that Rui Borges found upon his arrival at Sporting: “Rui Borges was hired with no time, no safety net, and no indulgence. A simple man, straightforward and honest, he did not try to create elaborate impressions or artificial perceptions. He stuck to the essentials: a passion for football and pride in his new position.”

Despite taking charge of a team based on a playing style that was not his own, the sports commentator believes that the Lions’ coach managed to adapt and accomplish the most difficult task: “The coach from Mirandela did the hardest part: he halted the decline, stabilized the group, and won the national title and the Portuguese Cup. With intelligence, he made Sporting back-to-back champions.”

In conclusion, Pinotes Batista expressed confidence regarding the remainder of this new season: “Best attack, offensive volume, defensive security, and calm in the face of adversity. In the Champions League, the start was dazzling. Sporting keeps racking up victory after victory, and the performances are convincing. It’s time to remember that, even when it doesn’t seem like it, winning is always better than losing.”

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