Leonino exclusive: Saleiro on Porto refereeing, Sporting aggrieved | OneFootball

Carlos Saleiro believes 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 Alvalade club striker spoke about the Portuguese Cup semi-final clash, commented on the ambitions in the premier cup 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 is 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 little. 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 solid performance. 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 put in a good performance, but that Sporting were disadvantaged in incidents that could have taken the match in a different direction. "If we look at the incidents, they ended up being decided well. 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 Gabri Veiga stepping on Hjulmand, for which he also could have been sent off. So, looking at the game overall, I would say it was good refereeing, but in terms of benefiting 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 with 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. Of course, matches are played on the pitch, and Sporting will have to show 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 has been a season of great physical strain, Trincão has played 54 matches, that is absurd. That often leads players to feel the effects and to have some problems, even muscular ones, sprains, knocks... we have no control over that. Now, as for muscle injuries, obviously there can be extra care, but it is always unpredictable when a team reaches this final stage of the season competing in every competition", he reflected.

I think so. From now until the end of the season, Sporting have to focus entirely on the league, with the objective of finishing in second place and earning the right to go to the Champions League", he concluded.

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