Frederico Varandas Declares Sporting CP as Number One in Portugal After Decades
Frederico Varandas, the president of Sporting CP, has declared the club as the number one football team in Portugal after decades of struggles. This announcement comes just a day before Sporting’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
Sporting CP’s Recent Successes
In an interview with the German newspaper Bild, Varandas reflected on the club’s evolution over recent years. He emphasized the incredible journey the team has undergone and its capacity to compete with elite European clubs.
- Two-time National Champions: Sporting has won back-to-back championships.
- Recent Title Wins: The club has secured three titles in the last five years.
- Recent Trophy Count: Since 2018, they have captured six cup trophies.
Overcoming Historical Challenges
Varandas took over the presidency in 2018 during a tumultuous period. At that time, the club was facing not only a championship drought since 2002 but also financial and social crises, including a violent incident at their training center.
He highlighted the importance of strong leadership and shared how his medical background and experience with the club prepared him for the role.
Key Achievements Under Varandas
- Financial Stability: The club has been profitable in five of the last six years.
- Fan Engagement: The stadium is nearly always sold out, with over 10,000 people on the waiting list for annual seats.
- Infrastructure Improvements: The stadium has undergone significant renovations and modernizations.
Future Prospects and Player Development
Varandas addressed the potential for future player sales, referencing that Sporting has the most valuable squad outside of Europe’s top five leagues, according to Transfermarkt. He attributes this value to the excellence of the club’s academy and scouting department.
As Sporting CP continues to strive for excellence, Varandas’ leadership is a testament to the club’s resurgence in both national and European football.
