 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 07 July 2010 18:08 |
"We have great European ambitions" - PacienciaBraga boss wants top four finish Domingos Paciencia has laid out the team's objectives for the upcoming season. Although a championship title would be nice, the Sporting Braga manager wants to ease expectations and have another memorable season, finishing somewhere in the first four places of the standings.
Braga were the revelation of last season, fighting Benfica to the very last round of matches for the Portuguese title only to see the Lisbon club pull through. Paciencia was very proud of his team but is now looking forward to qualifying for the Champions League, which will be a first in the club's history. "What we did last year was historical, but we want to have another great season," said the former Academica coach. "We will not promise another second place finish. The objective is to stay amongst the top four places." "We do have great European ambitions. We are preparing for the thrid qualifying round of the Champions League. Braga will be better in the qualifying round of the Champions League than what we were in the qualifying round of the Europa League last season." Paciencia spoke about his current squad and the addition of ex-Maritimo netminder Marcos and eventual departure of Alan from the minhoto club. "I am very statisfied with the work done by my players thus far. I intend to have my squad completely defined soon. I still need a goalkeeper." "(Marcos) is a player who gives me guarantees, as he demonstarted with Maritimo. He hasn't played in a year, but looks good." "(Alan) has always maintained his great professionalism and regardless of what happens, he will continue to be a great player, whether it be at Sporting Braga or at another club." by Marco Pereira |
A top three finish is a must, especially with Sporting in such dissaray.
Should Braga qualify for the Champions League group stage and at least make it into the Europa League, Portugal would be better for it.
I still think Eduardo is going to leave too cheaply.