Sporting are set to do the unthinkable just six weeks after Ruben Amorim left the club for Man Utd

It has been six weeks since Ruben Amorim left Sporting CP to become the head coach of Manchester United and things have taken somewhat of a nosedive at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

On November 5, it was confirmed that former right-back Joao Pereira, who enjoyed two separate spells at Sporting, would succeed Amorim following an impressive run with their B team.

He was seen as the natural successor and hopes were high after the Portuguese side picked up 11 wins from their opening 11 Primeira Liga matches, putting them on course to win back-to-back league titles.

Speaking in his unveiling press conference, Pereira said: "I remember a conversation [with Amorim], 'Joao, whenever you want to introduce something new into your team and you can't get it across, it's because you're not ready to get it across yet'."

To his credit, Pereira starting his tenure with a resounding 6-0 win over Amarante in the cup but a run of four consecutive defeats raised eyebrows amongst supporters as they fell behind Benfica in the title race.

Sporting have since won two of their last three games but after a 0-0 draw against 10th place Gil Vicente on Sunday, it appears Pereira's run as manager has come to an unfortunate end.

Portuguese publication Record claim the 40-year-old's reign is all but over, with Pereira 'already assuming' his departure.

The report states: "There are some variables to consider, debate and resolve, with a view to managing the damage, respecting Joao Pereira, and paving the cleanest possible path for the succession."

It adds: "Although this is not yet a closed equation, everything is heading towards, just over a month after the presentation of the current commander of the Lions' troops, a new change in this technical command."

Despite their recent slump, the departure of Pereira would come as somewhat of a surprise given what Sporting president Frederico Varandas said about Amorim's successor just last month.

Pereira has only been in charge for six weeks. Image credit: Getty

Varandas claimed the decision to appoint Pereira had been made a long time ago.

"I have known Joao Pereira for over 13 years," he said. "As clinical director, he was my player on three different occasions and always demonstrated leadership, character and an unusual understanding of the game for a player.

"These are all decisive theoretical characteristics for someone being a coach. One thing is a project and another is a reality, so João will have to prove he has this."

Varandas added: "I have little doubt that Joao Pereira, in four or five years, will be at one of the most powerful clubs in Europe."

Sporting have struggled of late. Image credit: Getty

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