Sporting CP have appointed João Pereira as their new head coach, just weeks before facing Arsenal in a crucial Champions League tie on Tuesday, 26th November at the Estádio José Alvalade in what will be his second match in charge.

This managerial change comes after Rúben Amorim‘s departure to Manchester United, where he replaced the recently sacked Erik ten Hag.

JOÃO IN CHARGE new coach given full authority in upcoming transfer window Record, 9 Nov 2024 "Dead, king set... and fully empowered." The popular phrase, when adapted to Sporting's current situation, describes the succession of Amorim, now led by João Pereira. Pereira, 40, moves up from managing the B team to take charge of the reigning national champions. And he does so without any hesitation, as both president Frederico Varandas and football director Hugo Viana fully back him to act independently—without seeking advice from Rúben Amorim. This confidence, Record understands, extends beyond locker room management to strategic decisions in the January transfer window, an area that the outgoing commander of the green and white did not address, wanting instead to give his friend full autonomy of choice. Pereira, well-versed in the realities of first-team football, has already held preliminary meetings with the club’s management. He understands that there are some gaps to address, particularly due to the injuries that have plagued Sporting, most notably Nuno Santos' surgery on his right knee. Solutions might come from January signings, but Pereira is also considering promoting players from the club’s B team—a group he knows well. In fact, these younger players often joined first-team training under Amorim, and Pereira recognises that they could become important assets in the future (see sidebar). introduction and straight to work As Sporting’s president has already confirmed, amid all the clarification around Amorim’s departure to Manchester United, the new Sporting coach—João Pereira—will be officially presented on Monday, following the league clash between Sporting and Braga on Matchday 11. The very next day, despite several players being away on international duty, Pereira will begin his work at the professional wing of the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy. His first training session will focus on preparation, even though key players will be absent. By then, he will have access to a detailed assessment of the squad, from the physical condition of each player to the rehabilitation process of current injured players—like Nuno Santos, who faces a long road to recovery, and Inácio, who is expected to be fit in time for the Portuguese Cup tie against Amarante on the 22nd. cup opener... then Arsenal on the horizon João Pereira officially steps in while awaiting his Level 3 UEFA Coaching Course certificate, along with a vacancy for the UEFA Pro Licence. His opening challenge should, in theory, be manageable against Amarante, a League 3 leader in its series, A. However, immediately after that, Pereira faces a major test—hosting Arsenal on the 26th for the fifth round of the Champions League group stage. At present, Sporting sits comfortably in a qualifying spot after three wins and a draw... but will it stay that way? presentation will take place on monday, shortly after the match against sp. braga, as revealed by frederico varandas

Front page of Record, 9 November 2024

According to Record in Portugal, João Pereira, who has been promoted from Sporting’s B team, will officially be presented as the new head coach on Monday, after Sporting’s league encounter against Braga on Sunday.

Pereira, aged 40, is highly regarded due to his deep understanding of the club’s inner workings, having closely worked with the first team under Amorim’s tenure. His elevation to the top job comes with full backing from Sporting’s president Frederico Varandas and director of football Hugo Viana, who have granted him full autonomy over Sporting’s future plans—something Record note is a stark contrast to the oversight previously offered to Amorim.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 01: Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP before the start of the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and CF Estrela da Amadora at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 1, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

For Arsenal, there’s a measure of unpredictability in facing a side under fresh management.

Sporting have experienced their share of injury setbacks, with Nuno Santos recovering from knee surgery and centre-back Gonçalo Inácio also rehabilitating ahead of their domestic cup match against Amarante. However, Pereira is expected to lean into the club’s existing talent pool, including youth players he coached during his B team tenure, potentially bringing a fresh and energetic approach against the Gunners.

The match is significant for both clubs. Arsenal, determined to secure a spot in the Champions League knockout stages, must contend with a Sporting side currently in a strong position in the table, following three wins and a draw. They sit second, just behind Liverpool and three points ahead of Arsenal in 12th.

Pereira will need to quickly adapt to the pressure, with his first major test coming not long after a relatively simpler domestic clash against Amarante, also at home.

Sporting’s leadership is betting on Pereira’s deep knowledge of the squad and clear command to guide them effectively, but the Champions League is a far cry from the comforts of domestic competition, and Arteta’s Arsenal will aim to use the situation to their advantage against a side that most recently put four past Manchester City.

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Sporting appoint new coach ahead of Arsenal clash after Amorim’s departure

Sporting CP have appointed João Pereira as their new head coach, just weeks before facing Arsenal in a crucial Champions League tie on Tuesday, 26th November at the Estádio José Alvalade in what will be his second match in charge.