Tiago Fernandes has taken charge of Sporting CP in London for Tuesday's Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk following the exit of Rui Borges.
Fernandes, who coaches Sporting B, was asked by the board of directors to step in as interim manager for the matchday four fixture. He addressed his appointment by stating that coaches leave while the club always remains, urging his squad to give their absolute best.
The sudden change comes as Sporting travel to the English capital for the European tie. Club president Frederico Varandas accompanied Fernandes and the squad on their journey from Lisbon to London.
Champions League preparation in London
The interim coach explained that the Sporting board approached him when the club required his contribution. He said he prepared the team in the best possible way and stressed that he is present simply to serve the institution.
Fernandes emphasised that he remains very happy with the reserve side, who currently lead their division. He added that nothing else was entering his mind beyond doing his job for the club.
Despite having very little time to prepare the squad for the fixture, Fernandes expressed complete confidence in his players. He insisted that the team must play with confidence and freedom, adding that he believes the players are eager to deliver a strong performance to push Sporting to nine points in the competition.
Sporting entered the fourth round of the Champions League seeking their third victory of the league stage. Shakhtar Donetsk host the European fixture in London because ongoing conflict has prevented Ukrainian clubs from playing home matches in their own country.
Previous interim experience in London
This is not the first time Fernandes has stepped into the first-team dugout during a moment of transition. He previously served as interim head coach on three occasions during the 2017 to 2018 campaign.
Fernandes pointed out that, coincidence or not, this match falls in the exact same week of the year as his previous trip to London with Sporting, when the team secured a draw against Arsenal.
He noted that he now feels more conscious and experienced than he was during that earlier stint. Having learned from past mistakes, Fernandes said he is far better prepared to guide the senior team on the European stage.
Family legacy and managerial transition
Fernandes also reflected on the advice he might receive from his father, Manuel Fernandes, a revered figure in Portuguese football and an iconic former Sporting captain. When asked what his father would tell him upon taking charge of the first team, Fernandes replied that his father would probably tell him to seize the opportunity.
Manuel Fernandes is widely celebrated as one of the greatest goalscorers in Sporting history, having captained the Lisbon giants during a storied playing career and remaining synonymous with the club.
Addressing the departure of Rui Borges, Fernandes revealed that the two men had a normal conversation between colleagues before his departure. He explained that Borges thanked him for the assistance he had provided, and Fernandes thanked Borges in return.
The Lisbon club confirmed that Borges is no longer head coach of Sporting, leaving Fernandes to direct the team in London before returning his focus to the league-leading reserve side.
