Pote’s imminent Sporting return sparks debate: it depends on... | OneFootball

Mário Jorge believes that the imminent return of Pedro Gonçalves to Rui Borges' options comes at a decisive phase of the season and represents a significant reinforcement for Sporting, even if the player is not yet at the peak of his physical form.

"Pote is a fundamental player in Sporting's game, he brings goals and assists with him," emphasizes the former Sporting midfielder, in statements to the newspaper Record, admitting that the number 28 returns without being "in his best condition" yet. Even so, he believes that "he will be influential and crucial" at a stage where "half of the Championship" is still to be played, in addition to the Portuguese Cup and the Champions League.

When asked about the arrival of Luís Guilherme and Souleymane Faye in this January market, and whether this could affect Pedro Gonçalves' space, Mário Jorge dismisses concerns. "It will depend a lot on Pote's performance. We are talking about two very young players, one 19 years old and the other 22, who were likely signed for their great potential, but more from a future perspective," he argues, also associating these signings with the prolonged absence of Geovany Quenda.

The former Portuguese international also recalls Sporting's tradition in developing top wingers. "Today, it might be a bit different, but we have the case of Quenda, the most recent example of this tradition," he notes, before projecting the remainder of the season.

"In the Champions League, with greater or lesser difficulty, we will secure qualification. In the Portuguese Cup, AVS follows, and under normal circumstances, there won't be a problem. Regarding the championship, there is a seven-point difference to Porto, it's difficult, but we are still in a position to contest the title," he analyzes, pointing to the classic at Dragão, at the beginning of February, as potentially decisive.

"Sporting has a say, even if it's just to close the gap," he argues, showing confidence in a squad that, with the returns of Geny Catamo and Pedro Gonçalves, "is starting to come together again." "And Rui Borges is beginning to have solutions to form an increasingly strong team," he concludes.

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