Robin Bairner
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates completing his Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City
© IMAGO
Viktor Gyokeres has launched a surprising attack on Sporting CP’s supporters that will only serve to increase rumours regarding his future at the Portuguese club.
Following the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim to Manchester United, Sporting find themselves in the grip of a crisis.
The Lisbon club had been undefeated under Amorim but have now lost four successive matches across all competitions, with the negative run continuing in the Champions League on Tuesday as they allowed a 1-0 lead away to Club Brugge to become a 2-1 loss. Gyokeres himself has managed only one goal in these four games, having struck 24 in 19 previously.
Speaking to ViaPlay after the encounter, a frustrated Gyokeres addressed fans, who jeered the team and threw objects at the players as they went across to thank them for their support at the end of the game.
“We wanted to thank them for coming here and supporting us,” Gyokeres said. “It’s sad that they threw things at us when we’re trying to win every game.
“We go out on the pitch and that’s all we want to do. It’s not a fun time for us and I understand it’s difficult for them too, but it will be easier if we turn this around together.”
No Amorim, no wins: Is Gyokeres the next to go?
All this is hardly encouraging Gyokeres to remain at the club, particularly with numerous major European sides chasing his signature.
PSG are reportedly ready to trigger the Sweden international’s €100 million release clause during the January transfer window, which could prompt other clubs to make a move.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all monitoring the striker’s situation.
Although Gyokeres had previously indicated that he would remain at Sporting until the summer, the dramatic collapse of the team could hasten his exit. Indeed, there have already been reports in Portugal that he is "discontent" with the current situation.
One of the major reasons he did not depart the Lisbon outfit in the summer was Amorim’s commitment to remaining at the club, so without the coach and with the club in crisis, there is naturally more of a tendency for him to depart than ever before.