Sporting centre-back reveals drama in Rui Borges’ squad: was sacked again… | OneFootball

Zeno Debast has assured that he will return to his original position. The Belgian international arrived at Sporting in the summer of 2024 to be another option for the defense, but due to adversities and the quality shown in his new role, he ended up being used several times as a central midfielder.

"It was a fantastic year. I played football at Anderlecht for fifteen years. Winning two trophies right in my first transfer, the title and the cup is phenomenal!. My father reminded me that I worked 16 years for this. Of all the great moments, that's the one I memorized. My parents are as passionate about my career as I am and I owe them everything! Whatever happens, they will always be the first people I think of. My family is my strength", he said, to the Humo newspaper.

Zeno does not hide his happiness for the debut year, not forgetting the adversities along the way: "We had three coaches... that says something. First Ruben Amorim, the coach who brought me from Anderlecht and left early for Manchester United. At the same time, the sports director (Hugo Viana) also went to Manchester City. The changes of coach are not new to me, of course, but this was my first transfer".

"When the two people who brought me leave after just a few months we start to think... 'and if someone comes in who is not interested in me?' The new coach, João Pereira, was fired again after only six weeks. Just like with Amorim, I started on the bench but quickly managed to assert myself. The same happened with the third coach, Rui Borges - who praised the player a lot -. He is still here", he added.

Originally hired for the defense, Debast ended up finishing the season as a midfielder. However, he assures that this season he will be used in his original position: "Due to injuries and suspensions I ended up in Sporting's midfield... As I played very well in that first game I ended the season there... Why should I be disappointed? I was happy playing. Then in the Belgium team a new coach (Rudi Garcia) asked me the position I liked to play the most... I explained to him that I only played in midfield due to circumstances and told him that I feel more comfortable in defense. Sporting has already clarified that I am a central defender".

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