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| Thursday, 19 January 2012 22:28 |
Sporting's world continues to crumbleDomingos loses rag, Moreirense hold Lions, Bojinov the Alvalade villain These are difficult days for Domingos Paciencia. After the wave of optimism that seemed to signal the start of a new era for the Lisbon club, 2012 has been little short of a nightmare. Five games played this year have failed to yield a win, ending Sporting's hopes of challenging for the Liga title and putting their continued participation in the cup competitions at risk.The tension surrounding the club was evident in the tetchy press conference given by Domingos Paciencia yesterday, and culminated in another drab performance and poor result (1-1) against Moreirense tonight, with a slapstick ending that saw Bojinov plummeting to new depths of disgrace in the eyes of the Sporting fans. More on the comically chaotic end to tonight's game shortly. During Domingos Paciencia's rise to prominence as one of Portugal's brightest young coaches, the former FC Porto and Portugal striker has won many friends. Not only did he attain remarkable success at Leiria, Academica and Braga, on each occasion achieving far better results than one could reasonably expect given the resources at his disposal. The way he maintained an elegant and thoughtful demeanour, even in high-pressure moments, was a mirror image of his playing style and a pleasant counterbalance to the often curt, bad-tempered or downright rude manner in which a number of Portuguese coaches, perhaps following the lead of their employers, deal with the press. So it was a huge surprise to see Domingos, at yesterday's press conference that was ostensibly to talk about tonight's Taca da Liga clash against Moreirense, well... 'losing it'. Domingos rounded on the club's critics: "I see doctors, fado singers, I don't know who else doing their best to denigrate the image of Sporting. It's easy to criticise Sporting. When it comes to doing the same to Benfica and Porto... it's a different story." Braga blasted While the coach may well have a point, the purpose of his attacks on Braga were more difficult to understand. "The way Fernando Couto has been treated is a sign of ingratitude," he said about the Arsenalistas' decision to release their Sporting Director, who was part of such an effective structure during Domingos's time at the AXA Stadium. Even this remark, albeit concerning a matter now out of his scope of influence, can be construed as a simple act of loyalty to a former colleague and international team-mate. However, his next targets were more difficult to fathom. Domingos explained how Hugo Viana and Marcio Mossoro had both aggressively presented him with a feisty "toma!", after Braga's victory over Sporting on Sunday. A literal translation would render the phrase "take that!" but when accompanied by an aggressive tone and gesture, which Domingos made a point of exemplifying, it's more accurate interpretation would be something akin to "suck it up" in English vernacular. Domingos said he found the behaviour shocking from two players who had enjoyed such success under him - one a player whose career he had helped resurrect (Viana) and another who he had visited in hospital while he was recovering from injury (Mossoro). Viana makes peaceWithin hours of Domingos making the accusation, both Viana and Mossoro had vehemently denied goading their former coach in such a manner, with the former Portugal international even explaining that he had telephoned Domingos "who I consider a friend" to straighten out any ill feeling.While the strong words singling out individuals grabbed the headlines, the observations of Domingos, possibly directed at people within the club, were perhaps more revealing. "Look at what the last three coaches of this club have said: Carlos Carvalhal said it is the most difficult club he has ever worked at, Paulo Sergio said he felt he was working alone and without proper conditions, Paulo Bento was firing bullets at journalists and referees..." The emotion shown by Domingos is at complete odds with his erstwhile calm demeanour, as explained above. It has taken most people by surprise, but judging by the reaction of Sporting blogs and a quick vox pop at the Alvalade tonight, the Sporting faithful approve. And despite his evident exasperation, Domingos seems in no mood to give up the job before further enhancing his reputation. "To make this club different we have to change a lot of things. To become big we have to change a lot of things, because I want to win and I want to give joy to the supporters. When I leave this club people won't talk about it in the same way." Sporting 1-1 MoreirenseThus was the background to tonight's Taca da Liga encounter at home to Moreirense. How would Sporting react to such a show of raw emotion mixed in with defiance from their leader? Meekly. Another performance that was not much better than sufferable, especially in the first half, ended in a 1-1 draw.Marcelo Boeck saved well from Ghilas to prevent the visitors from going ahead on 27 minutes, and one minute later Capel took advantage of a mix-up in the Moreirense defence to give Sporting the lead. Ghilas equalised in the 35th minute with a superb acrobatic finish and Luis Pinto was then inches away from giving the Liga Orangina outfit a half-time lead. Late dramaSporting improved after the break but a determined rearguard action from Moreirense seemed to have kept the Lions at bay until Jeffren won a penalty in the 93rd minute. With regular penalty taker Wolfswinkel still out injured, Matias Fernandez is designated to dispatch spot kicks, but as the Chilean stepped up, upon instructions from the bench, Bojinov shoved the midfielder out of the way and it needed intervention from Stijn Schaars to prevent matters from getting out of hand, all played out before the disbelieving eyes of Domingos. Bojinov's penalty was saved, yet there was still time for Bojinov, goalkeeper Boeck (up for a Sporting corner) and Jeffren to miss a chance in the final seconds.The night ended with Bojinov being "invited" in no uncertain terms to leave Lisbon by the furious crowd. To add to the sort of drama that few would believe a Taca da Liga game could ever generate, Joao Pereira trotted a lap around the pitch, waving at the crowd in what looked every bit like a final farewell. Speculation has rumbled on about Pereira's possible transfer throughout January. by Tom Kundert Follow PortuGOAL on Twitter and Facebook |
The Bulgarian international signed a five-year contract with Sporting after the two clubs agreed on a EUR 2.6 M bid for 80% of the player's economic rights. The fee could rise to EUR 3.5 M depending upon the club's performances.
The 25-year-old, who has also played for Fiorentina, Juventus and Manchester City, wears the number seven shirt for the Lisbon side.
Bojinov hit recently the front pages of Bulgarian tabloids after deciding to marry in between two matches of the national team, at a time when it was in desperate need of at least one face-saving victory, raising many eye brows.
The players from the team were banned from attending the wedding, even though they were accommodated at the very same hotel that the newly weds picked for the happy occasion.
Lozanova has gained the reputation of a promiscuous and dominant lady, who has been calling the shots after Bojinov was transferred to Sporting Lisbon.
The couple is expecting their first child.
Yes how selfish of him to put his wife ahead of football.
Perhaps staying at the same hotel was to show his support for his team?
Still, the guy is clearly a douche.
Early on in the season (after slightly sketchy start), the good results were pouring in, yes, but few of the wins, with maybe a couple of exceptions, were all that convincing and I did have the sense that Sporting were an inch away from a string of poor results.
Despite everything that's happened, I still don't think Sporting are necessarily in a doom's day scenario. Expectations were high after the strong winning streak, but as others have mentioned, the team has been completely remade from top to bottom. It's only natural that you encounter some bumps along the way. To fix the immediate problems, you either get Bojinov to apoloigize publically to the fans, coach, etc. after a stern schooling from Paciencia in private where he will be able to judge just how committed to the team Bojinov is. If he's not committed, sell him as soon as possible.
I'm not sure what will happen to Pereira, but if he does end up leaving, which would be a shame, it's still not the end of the world. Paciencia needs to have a serious sit down with this team and put some very blunt questions forward to clear the air. Sporting can still win some silverware here if they manage to beat Moreirense in the next match which is still very doable and finishing ahead of Braga in the league is far from being impossible.
We already know Sporting are capable of winning and playing cohesive, fluid football, like they were earlier in the season. They just need to regroup, focus and not let the recent antics impact their performance from here on out.
After the "three ring circus" last night, it's a little easier to understand why Domingos went off during the pre-match press conference. I would be pretty upset too if this were the attitude going around in my club. It's shameful what Bojinov did and he should be sold at the earliest opportunity in my opinion because he obviously doesn't care what happens with the team as long as he scores a goal (which he failed to do).
It unfortunately seems that the changes made to the team were strictly personnel and the attitude of the players/club in general is the same "loser" mentality that has broken their confidence entirely. They need to rid themselves of this ailment before they can even think about getting the best out of all these new players.
I alway knew it would be a struggle trying to incorporate so many new players into the squad, especially with a new coach, but if the aura of playing for Sporting Club de Portugal isn't brought back, these players will only continue to flounder and Sporting will never attain their former glory.
In my opinion we should have bought these players little at a time so the newbies could come in get used to things and then get ready to help the even newer guys ease into the club and get to recognize eachothers style of play.
Take Andre Carrilo for example. In Portugal the name of the game is possession and movement between the entire team and movement off the ball, but his style is take on every man himself and hope for the best. He should be on the bench until he learns that his role is to cross and pass and to only go for the net IF he has the opportunity.
In Portugal, patience plays a very important role in the key to success. It takes time to work the ball through the tight defense we always encounter. Some of our new players came from leagues where the object is to get the ball to the net as quickly as possible due too wide defense and this is what is killing us. As a Sportinguista I will always back my team, but criticize where there needs to be as well. I recognize when there is something wrong with my team. Forca Sporting Allez
Bojinov was trying to see what the back of the net feels like considering he sucks and with Ricky out he tried to make a BOLD statement. Was it the right move? If he scored, he'd be the hero with evil intentions. Considering he missed he's seen as a selfish player who is stepping on peoples toes. I'm no fan of the guy didn't even think he was worth Sporting's time.
On to the coach. I totally agree with the statement that Domingos bailed on Braga prior to the Europa Cup finals. Who the hell does that? Domingos is no top tier coach his attitude is all wrong. To honestly bring up what was said in the tunnel is so childish and to comment on Braga's situation is something he shouldn't even been doing. Perhaps he's trying to stir the pot in Braga so he can get his 3rd place back? I hope Braga put a fork in Sporting and Qualify for CL.
Domingos suck it up and start taking some responsibility as a coach and protect your players and take fault for losing. You can't handle sporting pressure look above you and see the pressure that JJ and Pereira have considering they haven't even lost a league game yet.
Joao Pereira is likely gone given all the articles that are coming out how cash strapped Sporting are. Problem is most clubs know Sporting need the money and they already have a bad record at selling players too cheaply.
The league cup isn't out of the questions for them but they will need to win their game and also hope Rio Ave don't win by a big goal difference.
I also stated how he was going to discover rather quickly that expectations at Sporting are far different than at Braga. At Sporting a league title is expected and a deep run into the CL or Europa. Keep in mind that Europa would be a disappointment, just like it was for Benfica last season.
Sporting really needed to start out well at home in order to invigorate the fan base. It began on shaky ground, and this slide has gone on far to long. If it doesn't turn around ASAP, Godinho is going to find those people in the images/posters that he so fondly displayed will be at his door. We'll see if he'll snicker than.
This is a horrible draw, and the way it finished is actually cause for concern. It shows that not everybody is listening and/or on the same page. It would be silly to think that Bojinov is a lone wolf. Who knows, maybe he is, but if that's the case he clearly hasn't been reeled in.
Karl, I wouldn't begin to know, but did Moreirense start their 2nd team? If so it tells me a lot about that teams aspirations. Clearly they are gunning hard to get promoted and that's their main focus.
He can't take a simple "Toma" when no doubt he's heard much worse we all know. We got from alleged racist comments a month ago to "Toma"s... Pretty ridiculous way of defending your job.. Can't imagine the pressure that he's under though..
Sporting got lucky tonight.. Moreirense played their second team!!!!!
At this moment..Paulo Sergio is ahead with 28 million less spent..
Oka bit of a mix in there.. I just don't agree with your double standards... If (and it is an if because we dont know) it was said.. then it still isnt as bad as its been made out... Didnt JorgeJesus and Coentrao continually have a go at Braga prior tothe semi final last year? I'm just making a point that you pick and choose when to have a go or defend incorrectly.. Domingos needs to be defended? He's extremely poor this year.. and he can't accept it... Not Braga'sproblemthatJardim is going well.. Have Braga benefitted this year from decisions? Think about it.. you can continually throw money at a sinking ship... but it will still sink.. Anew ship needs to be build.. Godinho Lopes was never the answer.... Nor is a good manager.. its so obvious that internal structures are all over the place..
Show him the door please!