Sporting has appointed Rui Borges as the new head coach following the sacking of Joao Pereira, who replaced Ruben Amorim about six weeks ago, the club announced on Thursday.
Pereira took over at Sporting in November with the club atop the Primeira Liga, but with four losses in his eight games in charge, they currently sit second with 37 points, a point behind rivals Benfica.
Borges, whose contract with Sporting will run until June 2026 with the deal including an option for a one-year extension, leaves Vitoria Guimaraes to join up with the Lisbon club, which reportedly paid €4.1 million as compensation.
𝐑𝐮𝐢 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 é o novo treinador do #SportingCP 🦁
Bem-vindo ao reino do Leão, míster 🫡 pic.twitter.com/QGh7c993yE
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) December 26, 2024
“The time for me is right,” Borges said. “It’s always right. I’m very positive, I believe things happen when they have to. It’s an opportunity we’ve all worked for.”
“I don’t have many words to describe the feeling in the last few days. I’m happy and looking forward to getting to work. I have enormous confidence. The future will be bright. I don’t see the current moment as being ‘delicate;’ the team are in every competition.
“I’m very happy to represent the Portuguese champions, it’s a dream come true. Now that we’re here, we want to work. What I promise is that: Hard work,” the 43-year-old added.
Borges has led Vitoria to sixth place in the Primeira Liga with six wins after 15 games, as well as second in the UEFA Conference League, where they are unbeaten after six games.
Rui Borges will be in the dugout for the first time as Sporting coach when they take on Benfica in a top-of-the-table battle at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Sunday.
