This week Hugo Viana’s phone has remained off to give him a break from the constant stream of calls he receives congratulating him. Given that Viana, 41, is widely considered to be among the kindest individuals in football, it is not surprising that the announcement of her nomination as Manchester City’s next sporting director has caused an outpouring of kindness inside the industry.
Outside the bleachers at Estadio Jose Alvalade, he is well-liked at Sporting, where over the course of six glorious years, he has assisted in eradicating the team’s reputation as Portugal’s largest underachievers. After two league titles achieved under his direction, the majority of Sporting fans are unhappy to see him go. Pedro Varela of the Sporting160 podcast states, “He’s done a very good job, especially in the last three years.”
The new Man City sporting director who is always one step ahead
Having played for Valencia and Sporting, Viana enjoyed a largely forgettable time at St. James’ Park. After retiring with 29 international caps, he became sporting director at Belenenses before returning to his childhood club in the same role. In November, City, who are currently awaiting the outcome of Pep Guardiola’s contract extension in the summer, will travel to Sporting for a Champions League group stage match in which Viana will face his future employers.
November’s champions’ League group stage match between Sporting and City, who are awaiting the resolution of Pep Guardiola’s situation before his contract expires in the summer, will pit Viana against his prospective employers.