Sporting make familiar Amorim mistake in Champions League clash with Arsenal

Sporting's new manager Joao Pereira was not allowed to enter his technical area during the Champions League match against Arsenal due to problems with his trainer's license.

The Portuguese giants welcomed the Premier League side to the Jose Alvalade Stadium in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. It was Sporting's first European appearance since former boss Ruben Amorim left the club for Manchester United.

Pereira was the man expected to lead the home side after being named as his compatriot's permanent replacement. But it was missing from the official documentation for the game for some reason.

Instead, his assistant Tiago Teixera was appointed head coach of Sporting. And now it has been explained exactly why Pereira was missing.

Pereira, a former Sporting defender, has not yet obtained his UEFA Pro License. It means he is officially banned from overseeing matches in UEFA competitions, including the Champions League.

And although he was not officially allowed to be appointed head coach, he still attended training, held a press conference before the game, chose the team and barked orders from the dugout. But he was not allowed to enter the technical room.

Funnily enough, it was an issue that Sporting had to deal with during Amorim's time at the helm. He had also not earned his professional license after a move from Portuguese rivals Braga.

Despite problems with his qualifications, Pereira did not say he would not lead the team. Instead, he shared a message of happiness he had received from new United boss Amorim.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “I spoke to Ruben before his debut game against Manchester United and he wished me the best of luck. He wanted me to have a good career as a coach.

“I replied, 'If I can do many of the things you've done here, that's not a bad start.' He was always open and he always opened the door for us to look at him. It is a big challenge, but I put pressure on myself every day and I challenge myself in every training and in every match.”

It looked like their manager's absence hampered Sporting in their match against Arsenal as they endured a miserable first 45 minutes. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put the Gunners firmly under control. Gabriel Magalhaes then scored to make it 3-0 just before half time. However, they pulled one back at the start of the second half.

The clash with Arsenal followed a dream start to Pereira's spell as Sporting boss. They defeated minnows Almarante 6-0 in the Portuguese Cup in his first game at the helm.