Sporting Clube de Portugal vs Legia Warszawa - Jacek Magiera: I hope it is the beginning of something positive
Posted Monday, September 26, 2016 by PA
Jacek Magiera takes charge of his first match as Legia Warsaw coach when they head to Sporting Lisbon in Champions League Group F.
The former Legia midfielder and reserve-team coach was appointed on a two-year contract at the weekend.
Magiera, 39, replaces Besnik Hasi, who only took charge in the summer but left by mutual consent after some poor domestic form as well as a 6-0 Champions League thrashing by Borussia Dortmund.
"I've returned home after a short spell away," said Magiera at his presentation on Saturday.
"Legia have always been in my heart. I was most recently in charge of Zaglebie Sosnowiec, but Legia is the only team I could have left Zaglebie for. I hope it is the beginning of something positive."
Sporting were unlucky not to take something from their trip to Real Madrid in their group opener.
Bruno Cesar gave them a deserved lead but late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata ensured Real avoided a first home defeat in the competition for five years.
Sporting beat Estoril 4-2 on Friday, with Dutch summer signing Bas Dost scoring twice, as they stayed second in the Portuguese league behind rivals Benfica.
Winger Gelson Martins impressed as Sporting got back to winning ways after two defeats.
"It was a good win after two losses," he told the club's official website.
"We started well and we looked good for the most part. The fans really help us and they have stuck with us."
Looking ahead to the meeting with Legia Warsaw, the 21-year-old added: "We want the win, just like we always do."
However, coach Jorge Jesus feels his side can still improve defensively.
He told reporters: "It was objective achieved for us and it was important to get the win.
"Losing always leaves you a bit shaken, but we made a really solid start in the first half an hour and it got easier in the second half.
"It was looking really easy when we were 3-0 up, but we eased up a bit in defence.
"Normally teams who work with me don't let in a lot of goals. We conceded two through a lack of intensity and discipline in defence."
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