Leonino exclusive: Saleiro on Porto refereeing, Sporting can complain | OneFootball

Carlos Saleiro believes that Sporting were more harmed by the refereeing in the Clássico than Porto, who complained at the end of the match. In an exclusive interview with our newspaper, the former striker of the Alvalade club spoke about the Portuguese Cup semi-final clash, commented on the ambitions in the competition, and addressed the final stretch of the national championship.

"The approach against Porto? I think it was good. The first half was, in my view, very good. Sporting were practically in control. Naturally, in the second half, Porto, being behind, had to push forward against Sporting, and that’s what happened. In a way, the fatigue of the Sporting players also became even more noticeable, and with the various substitutions Sporting dropped their lines a bit. And in the end, let’s say, it wasn’t exactly under siege, but there was that one ball that could have taken the game to extra time. But I think it was a very well-played match. After a defeat that hurt a lot, I think Sporting responded well and will fight for another title", he began by telling our newspaper.

Regarding the refereeing, the former Lions player believes João Pinheiro’s performance was good, but that Sporting were harmed in incidents that could have taken the game in a different direction. "If we look at the incidents, they ended up being well decided. But if there is one team with more reason to complain, it is Sporting. I remember William Gomes committing many fouls and not getting booked. There was also a stamp by Gabri Veiga on Hjulmand, for which he could also have been sent off. So, looking at the game as a whole, I would say it was a good refereeing performance, but in terms of favouring one team or the other, obviously Sporting were not favoured in those details that could have decided the game differently," he stressed.

In a possible clash against Fafe or Torreense in the Jamor final, the former Portugal under-23 international has no doubt that Sporting are the clear favourites. "Sporting, because of their history, have to go into it as contenders. I honestly think Sporting already have one hand on the trophy. Now, things are decided on the pitch, and Sporting will have to show that they are far superior to teams from lower divisions. I remember that a few years ago Aves beat Sporting in the cup final. So you can never be too careful. But obviously, looking at the strength of one team and the other, Sporting have a 99% chance of winning the Portuguese Cup," he analysed.

As for the number of injured players, Carlos Saleiro rejects the idea that there may be a problem in the club’s medical department. "I don’t think there is a problem. We have to look at Sporting’s season as a whole. It’s been a season of huge wear and tear; Trincão has played 54 matches, which is absurd. That often causes players to feel the strain, and there end up being some problems, even muscular ones, sprains, knocks... we have no control over that. Now, as for muscular issues, obviously there can be extra care, but it is always unpredictable when a team reaches this final stage of the season still competing on all fronts," he reflected.

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