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| Saturday, 29 October 2011 07:46 |
Hulk has a sulk, then says sorryForward reacts angrily to being substituted On the night when Porto got back to something like their best in the final half hour of the victory over Pacos de Ferreira (during which time Hulk was not on the pitch), much of the talk post-match was about a night to forget for the star man. Hulk was substituted in the 58th minute and when he headed straight for the tunnel without acknowledging coach Vitor Pereira or any of his team-mates he was roundly booed by the home supporters.
The burly Brazilian made a point of being the first player to appear in the interview zone after the match to explain the incident: “I was annoyed with myself. I tried to help the team, and at that moment I went to the changing room to be alone and to reflect. Even so, I should have gone to the bench first to acknowledge the coaching staff and my team-mates. I apologise for not doing so.”
Hulk talked a far better game than he played last night, and recognised that the coach was right to take him off. “There is no controversy. Any player can be substituted. The coach saw that I wasn’t playing well and took me off. I respect his opinion. Everybody knows me and at no moment will I ever show disrespect to anyone.”
As for the boos Hulk was forced to endure, the Brazilian also firmly quashed any notions that a rift had been created between him and the supporters. “It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time (that I have endured boos). The fans always expect the best from me, and that I decide games, but we can’t always be on form. I know they whistle us to demand more, to see if we can give a little more.”
Porto coach Pereira also leapt to Hulk’s defence in the post-match press conference. “He’s helped us a lot over the years and even this season. He was annoyed only with himself, because he was unable to contribute with his normal game. He has the best possible relationship with the fans and his team-mates. It was a manifestation of personal frustration. He wanted to leave, to be alone, and in the next game he will give a great response and the fans will be applauding him.”
Porto now begin a sequence of four games away from home. Their next engagement could go a long way to defining their season. The Dragons play APOEL in Cyprus on Tuesday. Anything other than victory could seriously compromise their hopes of making progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
Tom Kundert
Related: FC Porto 3-0 Pacos de Ferreira
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AVB has a lot to learn still. He is showing he is not tactically aware enough to succeed in this league and his gung-ho approach will just see him become the next Felipao.
As for Hulk, I now expect a big performance from him against APOEL.
I don't mind when players demand the best of themselves.
Jon, I know its off topic, but I too was shocked by Boswingas display today. He just looked so slow in reacting to the player directly in front of him. He kept getting turned around and was slow to close. Just didn't look good at all. Frankly the whole Chelsea defense looked bad. Not only the back line, but whole team defense. Let me add that Walcott, who I feel is highly overrated, played out of his mind today. His movement, passes and shots were all good. And no, no matter what Brits say he has never looked as good as today. He was very much the Brit Djalo.
As for the Seleccao, I actually understand why no wide defenders are called up as subs. As a manager you prefer a center back that can be put out wide. That being said I would much rather see Boswinga be brought in for Pereira for offensive means than let's say Martins in for another midfielder. Granted our defensive mid would have to lean to Boswingas side.
The fact remains that Pereira has taken a bit of a step back this season. I would really like to see his defense improve now with the Sporting firepower available in front of him.
Many Portuguese people, myself included, have been very disappointed with Bento's decision to keep Bosingwa out the seleccao, but after reflecting on his displays since moving to Cheslea, I have come to the conclusion that Joao Pereira is a better right back. Sure Bosingwa is slightly better at attacking and he'd be great against the Luxembourgs and Liechtensteins of the world, but against the likes of Spain, Germany, and Holland, I would much rather have the more solid Joao Pereira.
I have watched many of Sporting's games this season and I have been very impressed with Pereira. He isn't brilliant at either attacking or defending, but he does both jobs well and he works much harder than Bosingwa. In conclusion, Bosingwa should definitely be called up by Bento as an attacking option off the bench, but the more consistent and well-rounded Pereira should start.