Sporting CP 'brutally sack' Ruben Amorim's replacement after just six weeks

Sporting have appointed Rui Borges as their new head coach, following the dismissal of João Pereira on Boxing Day. The new head coach has signed a deal until June 2026, with the option to extend for another year.

'João Pereira.'

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Pereira, who took over when Ruben Amorim left for Manchester United in November, managed Sporting for eight games, winning only three, suffering consecutive Champions League defeats, and sliding to second place in the Primeira Liga behind rivals Benfica.

Borges, Pereira's replacement, takes over at Sporting after the club paid €4.1 million to another Portuguese top-flight team Vitoria Guimaraes to obtain the 43-year-old's services.

Borges, who has managed a number of Portuguese clubs, took charge of Vitoria in May. He led them to the Conference League knockout stages, when they finished the group stage as one of only two unbeaten teams, along with England's Chelsea.

"The time for me is right," Borges said at his debut. "It's always correct. I'm pretty optimistic; I think that things happen when they have to. It is an opportunity that we have all labored for.

"I'm the head of the Portuguese champs, and I couldn't be happier. I look at the team and it's the finest; it's not even time to discuss additions."

Sporting will face Benfica in a top-of-the-table duel on Sunday.