20 February 2007, by Marco Pereira

Goncalves walks out of Braga

Shock decision sees Jorge Costa take the reins

In an unexpected move yesterday Sporting Braga coach, Rogerio Goncalves (pictured), handed in his resignation with immediate effect.

The move comes as a shock to Portuguese football as the decision surfaced without apparent cause or provocation.

Goncalves took over the coaching reins from Carlos Carvalhal back in mid-November, obtaining a more than reasonable record of 8 victories, 2 draws and 4 losses in all competitions.

Braga are currently fifth in the Bwin Liga and still in the hunt for Portuguese Cup and UEFA Cup glory.

Braga’s assistant coach and former FC Porto legend, Jorge Costa, will be the team’s new coach and will lead the team to Italy this Thursday for the second leg of their UEFA Cup tie against Parma, with the Arsenalistas defending a 1-0 lead.

Despite Braga’s good showing this season, things appear very unsettled off the pitch as Costa is Braga’s third coach this season.

Costa’s aims for the remainder of the season will be to secure European football and go as far as possible in the Portuguese Cup and UEFA Cup.