The decision to part ways with Rui Borges and move for Paulo Fonseca may ultimately prove to be the correct footballing choice. Results had deteriorated, Sporting were drifting away from the top of the table, and the defeats against LASK Linz and Académico de Viseu had intensified the pressure surrounding the manager. Yet even supporters who favoured a coaching change are entitled to ask the question, why now?

Two days before a crucial Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting have chosen to change managers, leaving Tiago Fernandes to take charge on an interim basis. It is difficult to remember many examples where a club, still fighting on multiple fronts, decided to remove its head coach at such a delicate moment in the season.

What made the situation even stranger was how the story seemed to unfold in public before anyone officially acknowledged it. On Sunday afternoon, many people began to suspect that something was happening when Paulo Fonseca's Lyon side defeated Angers. The Portuguese coach appeared visibly emotional, embracing players and staff after the final whistle. What initially looked like the normal reaction of a manager after an important victory quickly began to resemble a farewell. Hours later, reports confirmed that Fonseca was indeed on his way to Alvalade.

The optics are impossible to ignore. After revelations surrounding the way former captain Jérémy Mathieu's situation was handled generated uncomfortable discussion among supporters, Sporting now finds itself facing another public relations problem. The circumstances are obviously different, but the common denominator is perception. Once again, there is a feeling that an individual who served the club has been left exposed during a process that could have been managed with greater dignity.

Reports suggest that Rui Borges became aware that contacts with Paulo Fonseca were already at an advanced stage and felt there were no longer conditions for him to remain in charge. According to Portuguese media, he even chose to say goodbye to the squad rather than continue under those circumstances. If accurate, it paints a picture of a manager whose authority had effectively been removed before his departure became official.

No coach should leave a club feeling publicly weakened. Whether supporters believed in Rui Borges or not, the man delivered a league title, a Portuguese Cup and memorable European nights. He deserved criticism when results declined, but he also deserved a cleaner exit than the one that appears to have unfolded.

The reality is that this is now another coach added to the long list of managerial changes under Frederico Varandas. To Varandas' credit, some of those appointments have been extremely successful. Rúben Amorim transformed Sporting, while Rui Borges also delivered silverware. But frequent managerial turnover inevitably invites scrutiny. Eventually, questions stop being asked about the coach and start being asked about the decisionmakers above him.

So, can Paulo Fonseca make a difference? The answer is yes. Unlike the last coaches in charge of Sporting in recent years, Fonseca arrives with extensive experience at the highest level. He has managed in Portugal, Ukraine, Italy and France, building a reputation for organised, possession-based football and strong tactical preparation. His work with Shakhtar Donetsk, Roma, Lille, AC Milan and most recently Lyon has given him experience few Portuguese managers can match.

Fonseca has been in difficult environments like the one he will be facing at Sporting. Being at clubs like AC Milan who also want immediate success will have him well prepared to the challenge that he will find in Lisbon. But it will be far from easy. Sporting will face Porto at the end of the month, and the leaders not only look, but are effectively unbeaten with a 9-point lead ahead of Sporting. Fonseca will inherit the job of one of the most successful coaches in Sporting’s history when it comes to the Champions League, fans will have last years standards fresh in their memory.

Another big factor will be the players themselves. Sporting invested a huge sum of money on players, completely reforging the team and bringing a lot of new faces. Many of them are not performing to the level expected and injuries have played a big part on hindering Sporting during the season in the last 5 to 6 years.

Only time will tell if Fonseca can turn Sporting’s season around. The league title seems difficult, Porto look impossible to catch. Looking to make good progress in the Champions League and capture trophies in the domestic cups might be the new coach best bet into a long successful stint at Sporting CP.

Set The Portugal News as your preferred source for news on Google

GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google