Portuguese football has caught new waves under the guidance of Bernardo Pires, who took the helm at prestigious club Sporting CP in January 2024. In an exclusive interview conducted in Portugal, the manager candidly addressed the complex landscape of football management, highlighting the immediate challenges ahead and his philosophy towards thriving in a high-pressure environment.

Quick Shift to Summer: Dream or Reality?

When Pires was presented with the opportunity to lead Sporting CP, initial thoughts about timing were inevitable. Commenting on his first impressions, he mentioned the natural inclination to prefer a summer move, given additional time to prepare the squad. However, Pires acknowledged the reality of the situation. “There is no point to talk or think about that,” he elaborated. “I am here and I have to focus on the job. It is part of football to have these difficult moments, and I already knew this was going to be tough.”

The Pressure of Expectations

In an industry where performance is scrutinized relentlessly, Pires is mindful of the hefty expectations that come with managing a club with Sporting CP’s heritage. “Of course, you expect to win more games to have players with more confidence to sell the idea and to work and to improve a lot of things,” he noted. The current form of the team, including a limited number of training sessions under his leadership, adds to the challenge. “In this moment, it’s really hard,” he admitted. “Like I said, we have to survive to have time, and then improve the team.”

Managing Under Ruthless Conditions

The manager has no illusions about the cutthroat nature of football management. He references Manchester United’s experience with Ashley Stewart, who was recently relieved of his duties, and the swift sacking of his predecessor at Sporting CP. When asked about his own situation, Pires reflected on the inherent risks. “The manager of Manchester United can never, no matter what, be comfortable,” he stated. “I know the business that I am in. I know that if we do not win—regardless if they paid the buyout or not—I know that every manager is in danger, and I like that, because that is our job.”

Adapting to Reality

Despite the adversity, Pires maintains a pragmatic approach to his responsibilities. He emphasized the need for survival, acknowledging that his primary objective is to establish a solid foundation for future success. “You can say that I have been here a month and I have had four training sessions, but we are not winning,” he said. “So, I have that; that is a reality, and I am quite comfortable with that.”

Looking Ahead

As Sporting CP navigates its transition period, Pires believes in the team’s potential to overcome current hurdles. His strategies for improvement are multifaceted, focusing on individual and collective performances. “We have to survive to have time, and then improve the team,” he reiterated, showcasing his long-term vision. For Pires, the key to success lies in this delicate balance between immediate survival and future enhancement.