11 September 2007, by Paulo Carvalho

Manuel Machado resigns from Academica

Coach of Coimbra club pays price for poor start to season

In a not so surprising move, Manuel Machado has resigned from his post as head coach of Academica de Coimbra. A poor start to this season coupled with the fact that the team just survived relegation last season meant that the writing was on the wall for Machado.

The team has only managed to earn one point in their first three games in the Bwin Liga campaign, as well as being knocked out of the Carlsberg Cup.

The club felt that a change was needed and released a statement on their website thanking the Portuguese tactician for his dedicated service.

It is believed the club are trying to land Rogerio Goncalves as Machado’s replacement, but the move is proving difficult as his current club, Beira-Mar, are not willing to let the former Sporting Braga coach go on the cheap.

Also leaving the team is Machado’s number two, Jose Augusto, with the club’s other assistant coach, Ze Nando and goalkeeper trainer, Luis de Matos, taking charge of team affairs for the time being.

Machado becomes the second coaching casualty this season after Fernando Santos was sensationally sacked by Benfica after one Champions League qualifier and one Liga encounter.