Sporting's season? Madeira Rodrigues: Bruno's days long gone | OneFootball

In an interview with Desporto ao Minuto, Pedro Madeira Rodrigues gave an overall positive assessment of Sporting’s season so far, even after the defeat against Benfica and the elimination from the Portuguese Cup, dismissing criticism of the club’s transfer policy.

"Generally speaking, throughout Frederico Varandas’ various terms, we have always strengthened the squad extremely well. At the start of the season, our main concern was who would replace Gyokeres. We brought in a sensational player, Luis Suárez, who made people forget Gyokeres and who, in my opinion, is better than him. I wouldn’t blame the board there," he said in remarks to Notícias ao Minuto.

Even so, he did make some criticisms of the medical department and the squad’s physical management. "What worries me most, and has been worrying me for some time now, is this high-performance department. Sporting always has a lot of difficulty getting players fit again. Ioannidis still isn’t fully recovered and he got injured back in October. Luís Guilherme also got hurt, Pote isn’t at 100%. Just like in other years, injuries once again made the difference."

The former presidential candidate also pointed to a certain lack of ambition in the January transfer window, recalling Matheus Reis’ move to CSKA. "Sporting could simply have been more ambitious in the January market. I’m very sorry about Matheus Reis leaving, but I understand it. I think we missed him in the game in London. We had a good replacement in Luís Guilherme, who got injured. And I can’t guarantee that Faye is a good signing."

Despite that, Madeira Rodrigues reaffirmed the squad’s overall quality. "I think Sporting has a wonderful team and is having a great season. An excellent Champions League campaign, a good league season in which we lacked luck at some decisive moments, such as in the derby. I think we are the best footballing team in Portugal and I hope we still win the Cup."

Even so, Madeira Rodrigues believes the season can still end on a positive note. "I think that if Sporting finishes in second place and wins the Portuguese Cup, along with the fantastic Champions League campaign, it is a positive season. We missed a unique opportunity to become three-time champions, and that will always leave a bitter taste."

He then also highlighted the structural change in the club’s management, making a direct comparison with the recent past: "The days when Sporting had to sell badly are long gone, so credit to this board. Gone are the days of Bruno de Carvalho, when Sporting used to sell and buy 20 players a year. I don’t believe there will be a revolution. We will certainly keep key players, and the team will be competitive again next year."

Finally, he praised the work of Sporting’s coach. "Rui Borges has exceeded expectations. He has done a very good job, we are very grateful and hopeful that, with him at the helm, Sporting will be champions again next year."

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