Jorge Jesus and Jaime Pacheco quit coaching positions

Jesus looking to Braga; Pacheco linked to Leixoes

Jorge Jesus, one of Portugal’s most reputed coaches, officially quit Belenenses yesterday.

“Everything is done,” said Jesus, who is expected to be named the new Braga boss in the coming days. “This week a final decision will be made, but me in Braga is almost a sure thing.”

In what should have been a successful campaign into Europe for next season, Belenenses endured a controversial end to the championship after the Meyong case led to the team being penalised 6 points, thus finishing in the 8th place and missing out on a Uefa Cup slot.

In the 2006/07 season Jesus led Belenenses to the final of Portuguese Cup, narrowly losing the final against Sporting (1-0), 5th place in the league, and competed this season in the UEFA Cup.

A success story without a doubt, as attested by dozens of supporters who gathered to show their appreciation for the coach, saying “You are the best.”

Pacheco a free agent

The musical chairs of Portuguese coaches is definitively getting into full swing, with Boavista boss Jaime Pacheco looking for a new challenge after quitting the Porto club.

“Everybody knows the love I have for Boavista. I coached here for 10 years, won the championship and I feel this is the right moment to speak to another team,” said Pacheco.

The decision was largely expected due to the uncertainty as to whether Boavista will drop out of the top flight due to the ‘Final Whistle’ corruption scandal. The club were punished with relegation for bribing match referees in 2003/04, but have appealed against the decision.

Pacheco has already been linked to a possible move to Leixoes, and did not deny that such a position would appeal to him. “I have not spoken to anybody, but I would like to be near home and Leixoes is near home. But in any team I coach I always promise hard work and honesty.”