Ruben Amorim made his most significant career decision on the 1st of November 2024. Consequentially, Sporting has had months of struggle and confusion as to what their future looks like. Amorim was considered the saviour of Sporting, ending what was almost a 20-year drought from winning the league. He went on to conquer the 'Primeira Liga' twice, 'Taca da Liga' twice and the 'Supertaça' once (equivalent to the UK Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Community Shield, respectively) in his four whole years as a sporting manager. His departure left thousands questioning his genuine love for the club, leaving Sporting's downfall this season to be solely placed on Ruben Amorim's shoulders.
Having done very well with Braga, winning the Taça da Liga, Ruben was a well-suited candidate to replace the not-so-competent Jose Silas, who was ending his 6-month journey as Sporting's manager having had a poor run of results and getting knocked out of the Europa league. Ruben quickly adapted the team into playing his so distinct 3-4-3 formation, using young, talented players such as Pedro Porro and Nuno Mendes playing a hybrid role as wing-backs. Rubens's key transferees played a key role in Sporting's 20-21 season success. Having signed big names such as Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos, and Joao Mario, Sporting was able to bridge the gap between the difference in the financial budget they possess compared to Porto and Benfica, their main competitors. Sporting went on to win the league that same year with only one loss, nine less than their previous season. Ruben led Sporting throughout his four seasons, showing positive results, and led Sporting to win a plethora of other trophies.
Despite Rubens's great success at the club, he knew there had to be a new chapter, a new beginning in his career. After winning the league in the 23-24 season, he announced a one-year extension in his contract, giving sporting plenty of time to accommodate for his departure. With Manchester United suffering heavily, by late October 2024, they were positioned 14th in the Premier League, having only accumulated 11 points from nine matches. They were in desperate need of someone special like Ruben Amorim. After receiving an immediate offer from United, Ruben was given minimal time to decide on his future. Ruben was only looking at joining at the end of the season since Sporting had been doing so well, being top of the league by a mile as well as being second in the Champions League, but United refused to accommodate Rubens's desires and made it clear that it was now or never. Ruben later announced his departure from the club, leaving him with only 10 days before making the move. This was a time of unison for the sporting fans, with a massive game ahead of them against Manchester City, the great rivals of United. Sporting did everything to protect and preserve the image of Ruben and leave him with more great memories at the club for his final home match. Sporting went on to beat City 4-1, which left fans contemplating, wondering what could have been a remarkable season for Sporting getting taken away from them so quickly. Sporting's overall presence would soon become very fragile.
Sporting, left stranded by Amorim, couldn't do much with such little time. Bringing a manager in who has just retired at Sporting at the end of the 20-21 season, having only managed Sporting’s B team, his lack of experience became clear as the season went on, losing four of his five first matches as head manager. Joao Pereira was so inexperienced that he wasn't even qualified to do his post-match interviews. How can Sporting appoint such a rookie who is competing at such a high level? As you might imagine, his time as manager quickly came to an end. Unlike with Ruben Amorim's departure, Sporting fans could not have sympathised more with Joao Pereira. He left Sporting with fans, knowing he had given his all at the club, and acknowledged his lack of qualification with respect and honour. Ironically, Sporting's next head coach's decisions highly mirrored those of Ruben, which left fans at the club so devastated. Having been performing very well at Vitória S.C., Rui Borges would be a great successor for the club. Putting his future ahead of his former club, he confirmed the move on the 26th of December 2024 to Sporting, the club reportedly paying a € 4.1 million fee for his transfer. Despite his excellent prospects, he has only won 7 out of the 16 total games he has managed for the club. Some can argue that it's just a matter of time and that he needs time to adapt his team. Well, why was Joao Pereira not given this opportunity? I think it is simply bad management from the club's officials, all unfolding from Ruben Amorim's departure.
With rising promising talents such as Geovany Quenda, who has just recently been announced to be moving to Chelsea next season, Sporting still remains well equipt along with, as you know, the big name Viktor Gyökeres, bought from Coventry for only 20 million. He is now valued at up to 80 million in just over a year. Investments like these are what make me believe in Sporting's eventual consistent winning level. Having been knocked out from the Champions League, Sporting are left to put their focus on the league and maintain their advantage over Benfica, only 3 points behind as of now. Let's see how things unfold.
