Portuguese Football in English
Egypt’s two biggest clubs will be guided by Portuguese this season, after former Gil Vicente boss Ricardo Soares was confirmed as new coach of Al Ahly.
Soares has signed a two-year contract with Africa’s most successful club, where he will be in direct competition with veteran Jesualdo Ferreira, who currently leads Al Ahly’s fierce Cairo rivals Zamalek.
Paulo Fonseca has made his return to football after a little over a year out of the game by signing a contract with French Ligue 1 side Lille.
Former Porto boss Fonseca has been without a club since leaving Roma at the end of last season. The Portuguese has signed a two-year contract with Lille, who won the French championship last May at the end of the 2020-21 season.
There will be an intriguing Portuguese derby in Iranian football next season after Ricardo Sá Pinto and José Morais were appointed as managers of Esteghlal and Sepahan respectively this week.
Reigning champions Esteghlal confirmed the appointment of Sá Pinto on Tuesday, just a few weeks after the former international forward left Moreirense. Sepahan, who finished 3rd last term, announced Morais’ arrival on Thursday, with José Mourinho’s former assistant out of work since a brief spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal last year.
José Fonte continues to set remarkable standards for Lille in France, after being named the club’s Player of the Season following a campaign in which he played every single minute in all competitions.
Fonte, who turns 39 later this year, featured in 49 matches for Les Dogues in all competitions as Lille contested the Champions League as well as domestic duties. As such, the defender was dubbed “Mr 100%” on the club’s social media platforms, with Fonte clocking 3,420 minutes of action not including extra time.
South American champions Palmeiras issued a statement on Friday condemning what they believe are xenophobic attacks against their manager Abel Ferreira.
The move from Palmeiras came after Atlético Goianiense boss Jorginho was scathing in his criticism of Abel and his staff following the sides’ clash in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Palmeiras came from behind to win the match 4-2, scoring a remarkable four goals between the 42nd minute and half time, but Abel and his technical team were the subject of Jorginho’s frustration after the match.
