The rising up of the Lions

The days when Sporting was considered a “nice little Portuguese club” are over. Since 2013, we are back! And this is actually a wrong way to put it: since the beginning of its existence, Sporting Clube de Portugal has never ceased to be. At the forefront of sports events, gathering a staggering number of trophies in all types of competitions, breaking world records, yet all these achievements are going unnoticed.

Why is that?

I don’t like to look at what other clubs are doing, because I believe Sporting in itself has enough arguments to exist through its own merit. But in order to understand the reasons behind this consensus in drowning every Lions’ successes whilst highlighting and making up every possible negative, one needs to understand Portuguese football. The scandal of the Golden whistle has paved the way for impunity. If Porto is still pointed for its love of fruits and coffee cream, another major club seems to have got inspired, though adding another ingredient: subtlety.

Since the reign of Luis Filipe Vieira has begun, it is impossible not to notice the shift in public opinions, spread by major sports papers. It is also impossible to ignore the controversies around refereeing. No more Fergie time, this is Vieira’s show in 4 steps!

Step 1: A Godfather is born

This president who has been socio of the three “Grandes” has been involved in major scandals, from drug deals to money laundering, theft, fraud and funds. You name it, he’s done it. Let me say that Vale e Azevedo is a rookie compared to this man. LFV uses Benfica as a cover to feed his businesses and fill his pockets with side activities that are not very legal... Ask his driver ;)

Step 2: Take over the press organs

Any good dictator knows that in order to reign over a state, it is necessary to acquire the press and public opinion. Once upon a time, each of the three main sports papers had an affinity: A Bola with Benfica, Record with Sporting and O Jogo with Porto. Nowadays, all three are publishing the same gossips and highlight the greatness of one and only club.

Step 3: Instil fear

Vieira is untouchable and Benfica unassailable. Don’t you dare ask where the club has found millions for average players such as Pizzi or Jimenez, always under the blessing of a powerful common denominator called Mendes. Crazy deals, loans, sales are succeeding each other without raising eyebrows. Silently but surely, his insidious campaign is paying off.

Step 4: Expand the territory

How did the Benfiquistas feel at the image of their president wearing a tie with the colours of Wolverhampton, assisting at their opening game of the season surrounded by Chinese investors and old friend Mendes? Maybe relieved for offloading dead wood Talisca & co in one only club. Atlético, Valencia, Wolves, Braga... The dynasty is growing.

If you ask me what this has got to do with Sporting... well, everything! Like I mentioned at the beginning, what was seen as a sympathetic club is now victim of a discrediting campaign from the press. The reason? After getting rid of presidents who were working relentlessly against the interests of Sporting, someone finally stepped up to mean business. His objectives don’t stop at putting Sporting back on the glory map, they also involve a full overhaul of Portuguese football, through a more transparent approach. 

Of course, this isn’t to the taste of Mr Vieira who has zero interest to see funds disappear from football, those same funds that provide a perfect cover for money laundering.

Crimes may go unpunished, but people have a sharp memory. Sporting is rising up again and will soon expose the fallacy that is this so called “greatest club in Portugal”. 

He who laughs last...

Slimani Saga

Despite the Olympic Games under way, the vultures remain very alert to every piece of “news”. We love me a bit of Slimani scandal, don’t we?

Here is the story for whoever missed it. He trained on Monday morning and was then authorized to miss the afternoon session by Jesus for personal motives. With the recent speculations about his alleged wish to exit the club, those who would love to see him out are enflaming the situation.

A BOLA: “Slimani refused to train at the Alcochete Academy. The striker tries to compel Sporting to let go of him.”

O JOGO: “Slimani puts his foot down and misses the afternoon’s training session”

They add that he allegedly tried to speak to Jesus by the end of the morning and that the manager did not attend, thus Slimani didn’t show up for the afternoon training.

First of all, let’s recall that he cannot play against Marítimo, so it would make perfect sense to be allowed to miss half the training.

Secondly, I have no problem imagining that he would like to earn more money, to play in a more competitive league... If the Everton 20 million offer is true, Sporting’s president is doing great to not give in and demand the full buy-out clause of 30 million. Surely, with all the silly money transfers we’ve seen this summer, it’s only right to sell a great key player (under contract until 2020) for the right price.

This won’t be the last we hear about the Slimani Saga, with just about 3 weeks left before the transfer window closes. In the meantime, just remember it’s 30 million euros, not a Cent less.