Defeat could spell end for Bento

Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 by PA

Sporting welcome Ventspils to the Estadio Jose Alvalade knowing anything but a resounding win could spell the end of Paulo Bento's time in charge.

The Portuguese giants are sweeping all before them in the Europa League and will be looking to maintain their 100% record in Group D.

It is a different story domestically, however, and they have not won in the Liga Sagres since the end of September.

That run has left last year's runners-up lying seventh in the standings and led to calls for Bento's head during the weekend's draw against Maritimo.

Victory will see Sporting through to the knockout stages while defeat could see the axe fall on Bento, but the former youth team coach, who has been at the helm since 2005, insists he is calm.

"It is best not to take decisions in the heat of the moment," said Bento. "It is natural that there are protests.

"We have to stop and think and not jump head first into any decision or statement.

"With that in mind, I am not going to take any decision in the public domain."

Club president Jose Eduardo Bettencourt insists the coach has his full backing, although lengthy talks were held earlier this week.

Sporting are boosted by the return of defender Anderson Polga, who has been out since September - although the Brazil international is unlikely to start.

Simon Vukcevic is also back to full fitness but Marat Izmailov, Yannick Djalo and Marco Caneira remain doubts.

Ventspils will also be looking to put domestic disappointment behind them.

The Latvian champions saw their hopes of a fourth successive league title go up in smoke at the weekend and coach Nunzio Zavettieri has urged his players to put that to the back of their minds.

"The team is calm and concentrated," he said. "Of course, we are experiencing not having won a national championship.

"But, on the other hand, we stand in a very prestigious European tournament.

"I very much want to prove themselves in the Europa League and be at our best. For a Latvian club, this is a great achievement."