Porto - A Hero's Return

Julen Lopetegui, the former Barcelona and Real Madrid goalkeeper, has left FC Porto after only 2 games. Lopetegui took over on the 6th May 2014, but leaves only 40 days later. The circumstances of the departure are yet to be confirmed, but many believe that Lopetegui is hoping to take over as Spain boss after the World Cup, should Vicente Del Bosque retire. Lopetegui leaves having already managed both the Spain U19 and U21 teams to European glory.

Porto fans have been left shocked by the news, especially after Lopetegui had spent time beginning to invest in the team for the new season. One fan, spoken to in Lisbon’s city centre, said that Lopetegui had ‘betrayed the fans’ trust, especially after signing some promising young players’.



Porto are said to be looking to announce a new manager within a matter of days, as they look to rebuild after a disappointing season last year, were they could not retain their Liga Zon Sagres title for a 4th year running, finishing a meagre 3rd place. They also crashed out of the Champions League at the group stages, and sacked manager Paulo Fonseca in March.

Early rumours are suggesting that former players Paulo Ferreira and Vitor Baia could be in line to take over, while some are suggesting that veteran goalkeeper Helton will make the step up to First Team Coach, and split his time between playing and coaching. Moves for Dutch coach Guus Hiddink and former managerial prodigy Andre Villas-Boas could also be on the cards.

However, with many of Porto’s players on show at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, some will be asking whether the likes of Jackson Martinez will still be at the club come September.

Nice start, good luck

Tallery: Cheers mate!

FC Porto have today announced that former goalkeeper Vitor Baia will be taking over as manager on a one-year deal. Baia made 406 appearances as a goalkeeper for Porto, in two separate spells. He also spent 2 seasons at Barcelona, were he was used ahead of outgoing Porto boss Julen Lopetegui. Baia had become synonymous for representing Porto, and has always been seen as a club legend.

Fans were impressed with the announcement, with many saying that they feel the club could bounce back from their poor season last year, and hopefully they could also become a force in Europe, as Porto were with Baia between the sticks. Baia joined Porto at the age of 13 when in early 1989, and retired in 2007. He also made 80 caps for Portugal between 1990 and 2002. Baia struggled with injuries in the early Noughties, but came back in 2002-03 under Jose Mourinho to become a stalwart of a top European side.

I can’t believe that I’ve been given the opportunity to manage and coach the club that I love so much. I would love to take this club to some of the heights that I achieved while at the club, and hopefully with a few fresh faces I can lead this club to glory.

Very interesting choice of manager, good luck!