“Emotional” Carlos Queiroz looks forward to Portugal challenge

Rigorous preparation the key to success

Carlos Queiroz gave a polished performance in his opening press conference as Portugal’s new head coach. The former Sporting and Real Madrid coach and Manchester United assistant manager admitted he felt emotional upon perceiving the amount of support wanting him to take the reins of the national team.

Known for his meticulous planning, Queiroz expressed confidence in the team but warned that only by being “champions of preparation” could Portugal make further progress.

“I’m happy to be here. I thank everyone for all the support I have received. I’m here to serve Portuguese football in the spirit of being able to contribute with all my experience and all my background.

“I returned because I have the conviction we have a big challenge in front of us, which I want to share with the Portuguese Football Federation. I experienced a lot of emotion when feeling widespread support, not only from the fans but also from the critics.”


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“I’m going to dedicate myself to this new challenge with all my endeavour to live up to the expectations and confidence the Federation have deposited in me.

“We have twelve points to win in the next three months in the qualification phase for the 2010 World Cup. We will give absolute priority to this aim from the start – it’s our overriding goal.

“I want to build on what has been well done, and I am obliged to bring new ideas concerning how the national team can progress and go further. Preparation is the basis of success. We have to start by being champions of preparation to have the chance of reaching first place.”

Queiroz also pointed out the need to build on the close relationship fostered in recent years between the Portugal football team and the public, something his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari was a master at. “It’s important to continue to cultivate and empower the enthusiasm of the supporters in relation to the selecção.”

Ronaldo no comment

Inevitably, Queiroz was asked about his thoughts on whether Portugal’s top player, Cristiano Ronaldo, will be staying or leaving Manchester United, but the former no. 2 at Old Trafford was careful to avoid any controversy.

“As Portugal coach and as a member of the Portuguese Football Federation, we have no business interfering in what are professional relations between our players and the clubs. We don’t even have to have an opinion on this. My opinion is simple: I have no opinion to answer that question!”