Irankunda calls Sporting’s Linz defeat a bad day in Champions League

In the echoing corridors of Estádio Alvalade, Australian international Nestory Irankunda faced a sea of microphones after Sporting’s 3‑2 loss to LASK Linz on Champions League matchday three, his voice steady as he dissected the evening’s disappointment and tried to put the performance into perspective for the fans.

Irankunda critiques the performance

He said Sporting had to be sharper on second balls and admitted the side became passive at times because of fatigue. “We had to be better on the second balls, we were a bit passive in space,” he told reporters.

Irankunda added that a bad day is part of football and that the result was a surprise. “It was a bad day and it happens sometimes in football,” he remarked, noting the team did not dominate as they intended.

Looking ahead to his role

The young forward stressed his hard work to earn a starting place at Sporting, thanking the technical staff for believing in him. “I work a lot to get the chance to start for Sporting, it’s a huge club and I’m grateful,” he said.

He reminded that the final decision rests with the coach and pledged to stay happy and ready if selected. “In the end the coach decides, and if he wants me, I’ll be very happy in the eleven and keep working,” he affirmed.

Speaking of manager Rui Borges, Irankunda praised their special relationship and the belief the coach shows in every player. “I feel good working with him, he believes in all of us, including me,” he explained.

The analysis was published on Bola na Rede, underscoring the midfielder’s candid reflections after a rare setback in Europe’s premier club competition.