Sporting defender Iván Fresneda credits his significant professional growth and the team’s adaptability to the guidance of Coach Rui Borges and healthy internal competition, as the club prepares for a critical Champions League match against Club Brugge on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old right-back highlighted that both Coach Borges and his technical staff were instrumental in his decision to remain at Sporting, providing him with opportunities to demonstrate his abilities. He stated that he has “managed to evolve a lot last season. And even more this season.”
Fresneda expressed gratitude, adding that he believes he still has “much more” to contribute to the club.
The Spanish international also described his shared playing time with teammate Vagiannidis as a “very healthy competition,” noting their “very good relationship” both on and off the field. He emphasized that their ability to communicate effectively in English benefits the entire squad.
“We are giving very good things to the team and that is the most important,” Fresneda said.
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Looking ahead to the Champions League Group Stage match, Fresneda anticipates a “very complicated game,” similar to their previous encounter with Club Brugge. He acknowledged the Belgian side as a “very good team, with good players.”
Despite the challenge, Fresneda stressed the importance of playing at home, asserting that Sporting “must be even stronger than we were last year.” The objective for the team is clear: “the game is to win.”
Addressing questions about Sporting’s demanding schedule, which includes upcoming matches against European giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, Fresneda downplayed any additional pressure. He maintained that all Champions League fixtures are “always very complicated, with high-level teams.”
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He emphasized a game-by-game approach, stating, “The most important is to think about winning tomorrow’s game and then think about the rest.”
Fresneda noted that Club Brugge employs tactics “very similar to ours,” which he considers an advantage rather than a problem for Sporting. Regarding opposing players like Andreas Tzolis, Fresneda underlined the need for strong concentration from Sporting’s defense, regardless of who plays.
The defender also discussed tactical flexibility, explaining the differences between playing in a back three or a back four. He views his ability to adapt to either formation, whether as a right-back or occasionally a center-back, as crucial.