Maniche back in favour at At. Madrid

Rift with coach patched up

Portuguese midfielder Maniche may yet stay at Spanish club Atletico Madrid for the coming season, after seemingly being reintegrated into manager Javier Aguirre’s first team plans.

Maniche has endured a difficult relationship with the Mexican manager, stemming from disagreements which took place in the first half of last season. As a result, the former Porto man joined Inter on a six-month loan deal in January, although he saw little action at the San Siro.

Having returned to Atletico this summer, it was expected that Maniche would be shipped out to the highest bidder, particularly after he was left out of the club’s squad for their Champions League qualifier with Schalke 04.

However, having so far failed to offload the player, Aguirre issued Maniche a place in his squad for Monday’s friendly match with Sporting Gijon, and the midfielder responded with a goal in an impressive personal performance as Los Rojiblancos drew 3-3.


Related: Maniche PortuGOAL profile

Happy in Spain

After the match, Maniche was asked about his current situation. “It isn’t even a matter of reconciliation with Atletico because everyone knows that I want to be here,” he said. “I am very comfortable in Spain and I am going to give my all on the pitch.

“Did he (Aguirre) say anything to me? The boss congratulated me, as well as the rest of the team. Despite my goal, the most important thing is that there is still work to do. The goal gave me joy but I need to improve my physical condition. I am at Atletico, I have a contract and I am going to enjoy this moment.”

Despite the turnaround in Maniche’s fortunes at the Vicente Calderon, there was still a suggestion from manager Aguirre, when asked about the player, that the Portuguese was still available for transfer, although the rift between the pair appears to have softened.

“Up until August 31st the transfer window remains open and, if Maniche stays, it will be no problem,” Aguirre told Marca. “But if a good offer arrives, the club and I will make a decision on that matter.”