Pedro Geada on Sporting’s poor run: They’re taking a risk | OneFootball

Pedro Geada believes that Sporting still needs a top-level winger, and that Rui Borges is taking a risk by completely changing the tactical structure of the Lions. In this exclusive with Leonino, the former director of our newspaper gave an interview where he discussed the current state of the team.

"It's an important victory, firstly because three points in the Champions League are always important, aside from the financial and sporting impact. Six points from three Champions League games is perfectly in line with expectations for Sporting at the European level, and this is the level where Sporting needs to be. It also helps to calm some doubts and feelings people have about the current Sporting team," Pedro Geada began, speaking about the win against Marseille.

The former director of Leonino continued, when asked about the team's poor run: "Rui Borges and, ultimately, the Sporting structure, are taking a risk by changing the mechanics and logic that Ruben Amorim implemented since 2020 with the 3x4x3, and they are risking moving to another system. Is it the smartest choice, given the players they have? The results are still a bit below expectations, but the legacy and the trust capital that the fans have in Rui Borges, and with the results... Because for better or worse, Rui Borges, even building on Ruben Amorim's foundation, managed to keep the team, become two-time champion, and win the double. It's still not clear whether Rui Borges will enter a downward spiral, or if he will manage to implement his model and make that transition. It is indeed a risk, one that should be acknowledged, because changing a system, with the players and the backbone of the team that was formatted for it. We will indeed go through some transitional moments, but it is what it is."

"I would say there is a more important issue than strengthening the squad, which is strengthening the defensive system and dynamics. I think one of the weak points has been the defensive behavior, the fact that the team is not compact in those moments of the game. For the tactics that Rui Borges wants, he needs a faster and more aggressive dynamic, so that a back four can withstand and get through the tough moments that every game brings in a different way. In any case, if he overcomes these more organic difficulties in the way of playing, I think he has the ability to achieve the three-peat and advance to the next stage of the Champions League. Never underestimating, we must be aware of the priorities, and realize that the main goal is the three-peat, which keeps Sporting riding the wave. And despite Porto's leadership, both Porto and Benfica are in a more fragile context compared to the last decade, and that must be taken advantage of," Pedro Geada further explained, regarding possible improvements to the green and white squad.

Finally, he spoke about Alisson, and the winger who didn't arrive at Alvalade in the summer: "To implement a greater offensive dynamic, according to the tactics and logic that Rui Borges wants to implement at Sporting, despite everything, I would say that a winger of great quality, dynamism, and great stride is needed to energize Sporting's attack. Maybe Alisson will surprise us and be able to provide that, but I believe a winger of great quality was needed to give this team something extra."

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