Niculae warns Sporting over Luis Suárez: it's very difficult... | OneFootball

Marius Niculae believes Sporting got it absolutely right by signing Luis Suárez and has no doubt that the Colombian will continue to be one of the key figures in Rui Borges’ team. In his most recent interview, the former Lions striker praised the impact of the 'number 97' in a season in which he had the difficult task of succeeding Viktor Gyokeres.

"The task of replacing Gyokeres was not easy, but he managed it. He started playing and scoring straight away, winning over the fans. We know that a striker lives off goals and Suárez was perfect to take Gyokeres’ place. He ended up contributing greatly to the team’s success which, although it did not manage to win three straight league titles, had the best Champions League campaign in the Club’s history. He is, without a doubt, a player who will continue to score goals for the green and whites", said the former Romania international in comments to newspaper A Bola.

Niculae also believes that the fact Luis Suárez won the Silver Ball does not add any extra pressure on the forward. "Good players are always ready for big challenges", he said, showing complete confidence in the Colombian’s ability to keep performing at the highest level.

The former Sporting goal scorer also addressed the striker’s growing market value, especially after his call-up for the World Cup. "The problem for Sporting is that when a player reaches a very high level, it becomes very difficult to keep them. Because the big clubs, with a lot of money, are looking for those players. I understand very well how that works in football and Sporting’s directors have to make an effort to convince players to stay. Keep backing a process that has been very good", he explained.

In the same interview, Niculae also said he was full of praise for Rui Borges’ work. "He brought Sporting back to life after Amorim’s departure. I think it was very good that he renewed his contract, that gives peace of mind not only to the coach but also to the players", he stressed, praising the stability created by the Sporting manager.

As for the possible arrival of João Palhinha, the former striker gave his full backing to the move. "The President and Sporting’s directors know very well what path they have to take. As for Palhinha, he is a player who needs no more words, everyone knows his quality. He would be a good signing. Let’s see what happens, the coach will know better than us what he needs", he concluded.

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