Joao Pereira, Sporting’s head coach, was fired six weeks after being named to replace Ruben Amorim.
Soon after Amorim resigned to take a position as head coach of Manchester United in November, Pereira took over as manager of the Lisbon club, but the former Sporting B team coach had a challenging tenure.
Sporting’s performance under 40-year-old Pereira has caused them to drop out of the top spot in the Primeira Liga, with rivals Benfica overtaking them to take the top spot. Sporting has lost four of their last eight games.
In order to succeed Pereira, Rui Borges departed Vitoria Guimaraes and agreed to a contract that would run until June 2026 with a one-year extension option.
The 43-year-old Borges stated, “The time for me is right,” anticipating his Sunday debut matchup with Benfica.
“It’s always correct. I have a lot of optimism and think that things happen when they must. We’ve all toiled for this opportunity.”
After United fired Erik ten Hag, Amorim left Sporting to take on a new challenge at Old Trafford, where he led the team to the league title the previous season.
“I’m the leader of the Portuguese champions and I couldn’t be happier,” Borges added, acknowledging the task of pursuing another title. The squad is the best, in my opinion. There isn’t even time to discuss signings.
