The president of Sporting, Frederico Varandas, returned this Monday to expressing the feeling that João Pereira, in a few years, will be at one of the most powerful football clubs in Europe, similar to what he had done with Ruben Amorim.
“Almost five years later, I can say I have the same feeling. I have very little doubt that João Pereira, in four or five years’ time, will be at one of the most powerful clubs in Europe. You will find a fabulous group and club here that will protect you and allow you to grow as a coach. Sporting will find a coach who will continue to make the club grow”, expressed the sports director.
Frederico Varandas presented Ruben Amorim’s successor, who joined Manchester United, in the ‘VIP hall’ of the José Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, in a choice that, he reinforced, was “simple and natural”, as it had been prepared for a long time. time.
“It happens seven months earlier than planned, but it is a simple and natural choice, starting around four years ago. I have known João for over 13 years. When he was clinical director, he was my player. He always demonstrated leadership, character and an unusual understanding of the game for a player, but he would have to prove it. In these three and a half years, João has been growing, building and perfecting his technical team, having convinced the academy’s football structure, through his competence and leadership”, highlighted Varandas.
Asked about the new “high risk” bet to lead the main team, after the risk rewarded in hiring Ruben Amorim, Frederico Varandas assured that he did not feel any risk, appearing “very comfortable and calm” with the option.
“To accept this challenge at this moment, you need courage and a lot of confidence in yourself. Thank God we have this legacy from the previous coaching staff, but we have to know that the person who accepts a challenge like this will not join a bad club where they have nothing to lose. Launching a coach, at a time like this, requires a lot of trust and João has 100%”, said the president, who has been in the role since 2018.
The manager of the Lisbon club clarified the duration of the contract with João Pereira, who will be linked to the main team until 2027, and with a “high” termination clause, although without specifying its value, and without being able to promise that there will be no departures from athletes in January.
“In these four years, when we have a coach of Ruben Amorim’s quality, we cannot live in the present and we always have to be prepared. It was a topic discussed with the coach himself, Amorim knew about our project and never doubted his choice. If there is one thing he wants, it is to be champion and for Sporting to continue winning”, he highlighted.
On Sunday, Ruben Amorim played his last game as coach of the ‘lions’, in the turnaround that took place at Sporting de Braga, from 0-2 to 4-2, heading to the English side of Manchester United, who triggered the termination clause, with the Alvalade club at the top of the I Liga, with 11 victories in as many games, and second in the ‘Champions’ league phase.
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