Portugal is considered one of the major players in European football, boasting supreme players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes. Going further back, the nation has boasted star names like Eusébio and Luís Figo and held its own at World Cups and Euro tournaments. In fact, the 2016 success was the culmination of excellent academy work and smart coaching.
Portugal’s tactical philosophy has won titles and helped clubs and managers from this part of the world lift the Champions League trophy. This article will look at how this country’s football principles helped shape the careers of native managers and guide clubs to the top of the game.
Vítor Frade the pioneer
Vítor Frade is not a household name, nor is he actually that well-known to soccer fans. However, his influence has been huge. Frade is the creator of ‘Tactical Periodization’ which is a methodology developed at the University of Porto four decades ago. Considered one of the great football thinkers, Frade’s revolutionary approach centred on ball work to enhance tactics as opposed to players simply running and focusing on the physical side of the game.
José Mourinho once explained the approach when discussing his own viewpoint in 2005 and said: “Many clubs do fitness work separately sending players for 45 minutes with a fitness coach, but I don’t believe in this. I do not believe in practising skills separately. You have to put together all these aspects in a match situation. There are exercises that can improve your physical qualities using the ball.”
First coaching at Boavista and FC Felgueiras, Frade later worked with the legendary Bobby Robson at FC Porto. Frade’s outlook inspired a generation of coaches, including José Mourinho, and his work was so valued, technical ability is key in today’s game with a heavy focus on possession leading the way managers teach and motivate. Frade went beyond mere philosophy and combined analytical thinking with how he wanted his teams to play the game.
José Mourinho success
Mourinho is one of the most famous managers of all-time and one of the most successful. Using Frade’s methodology and also joining forces with Bobby Robson at Barcelona, the Portuguese icon built his career on coaching with ball and smart thinking.
When it comes to placing a bet on football games, fans wagering on teams managed by José Mourinho will often take into account his approach, such is his influence. Swiftly putting a stamp on his sides, bettors considering the fixture will know Mourinho’s teams are solid at the back and don’t often give many chances away. At the other end of the pitch they are always dangerous and the boss isn’t afraid to mix the play up, sometimes going direct if that is what the game requires. By assessing the wagering platform, fans will look at who is up next and then think about how Mourinho will take the match to the opponent.
Mourinho guided unfancied Porto to the Champions League final in 2004 where they defeated French side Monaco 3-0. Lifting the European Cup saw the manager become a legend and he declared himself ‘The Special One’ when appointed at Chelsea that summer. Mourinho has won league titles and European silverware with the Blues, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma while one of his proudest achievements was guiding Inter Milan to an historic treble. His success in England created a path for many of his compatriots in the game to follow.
The Primera Liga pathway
A great number of managers hailing from Portugal have earned opportunities in the Premier League and across the rest of Europe. From Nuno Espírito Santo and Marco Silva to André Villas-Boas and Paulo Fonseca, many coaches have impressed on the continent and their coaching careers were helped along by opportunities they were afforded in Portugal’s Primera Liga.
The division is a breeding ground for top managers who can perhaps focus on their work away from the pressures that come in England, Spain and Italy. That’s not to say there isn’t expectation in Portugal but it seems coaches are afforded more time to hone their craft. Silva, for example, took charge of Estoril and guided the club into Europe. From there he landed the Sporting job before taking charge of Olympiacos, Everton and now Fulham. Managers who excel with smaller sides in Portugal are often given a chance at one of the big three – Sporting, Porto or Benfica – and so there is a clear pathway for coaches to grow and thrive. This has helped the national set-up, where different tactical approaches and coaching techniques can be devised and built.
Wrapping up
Overall, Portugal has become famed and hugely respected for its smart approach to coaching. From Frade to Mourinho, the nation has proved that the methods work and earn success both at home and abroad. Going forward, the next generation of managers will no doubt take inspiration and take coaching to the next level heading into the 2030s and beyond.
