"Villas-Boas Feels Pressure: 'Benfica and Sporting Aren't equal to FC Porto'"

Over the weekend, FC Porto's former communication and information director, Sergio J. Marques, took to social media to express his discontent with the current state of the club. In a passionate post, he compared the recent performance of the club under Andre Villas-Boas unfavorably to the golden years of Pinto da Costa's presidency.

"Our best times are in the rearview mirror, and nobody's even close, but if we want to matter again, we have to restore our standards, focus on the sporting aspect, follow the model that made us great," Marques began in a post on his X social media account (formerly Twitter).

Marques highlighted that under Villas-Boas' management, the club has regressed to a state reminiscent of pre-1974, a time when only Sporting and Benfica were contenders for national football titles, while Porto merely played a supporting role. In contrast, Pinto da Costa's era saw Porto rise to prominence, claiming multiple domestic and European titles.

Marques voiced his frustration over fans who "disparage" those who elevated Porto to greatness, referring to Pinto da Costa who stepped down after 42 years in April last year and passed away on February 15 this year at the age of 87. He argued that instead of celebrating the club's past achievements, some fans prefer to highlight the occasional poor campaigns, thereby contributing to the current downfall.

"It's regrettable that we, as fans, are playing into the hands of the government that's dragging us down, rather than celebrating the great victories that make our country proud. We should be talking about the club's European triumphs, which rival those of Real Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, but instead, we'd rather disparage those who put us among the giants and hide our achievements," Marques added.

Marques concluded his post by echoing Pinto da Costa's famous question: "Who wants to change? Do you want to keep winning?" He expressed his belief that the current state of the club is a departure from the ideals Pinto da Costa stood for, and urged fans to rally behind a return to the club's sports-focused roots.

The decline of FC Porto's competitive performance in recent years, as observed by Marques, contrasts sharply with the club's past glory days under Pinto da Costa's presidency. During his tenure, Porto became a powerhouse in Portuguese and European football, winning over 20 Primeira Liga titles, and claiming two Champions League titles, two Europa League/UEFA Cup titles, and establishing themselves as Portugal's most successful club. Pinto da Costa's leadership entrenched Porto as a symbol of resilience and a European heavyweight, though recent fan divisions and management issues have eroded this legacy.

"Marques urged fans to rally behind a return to the club's sports-focused roots, echoing Pinto da Costa's question, 'Who wants to change? Do you want to keep winning?'"
"The decline of FC Porto's competitive performance in recent years, as observed by Marques, contrasts sharply with the club's past glory days under Pinto da Costa's presidency."
"Marques mourned the current state of the club, arguing that fans are contributing to the downfall by disparaging those who elevated Porto to greatness, such as Pinto da Costa."
"In contrast to the current management, Marques lauded Pinto da Costa's leadership, which saw Porto rise to prominence, claiming multiple domestic and European titles."
"Marques lamented that the club's European triumphs, which rival those of renowned European leagues like the Premier League, are often overlooked and instead, poor campaigns are highlighted."