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| Friday, 11 December 2009 10:07 |
Manuel Machado on the road to recoveryNacional coach comes out of coma  Nacional da Madeira were given a big boost yesterday with the news that head coach Manuel Machado is firmly on the road to recovery.
Doctors were forced to put Machado into a state of induced coma two weeks ago as he recovered from septicaemia, but the coach has now recovered consciousness and is getting back to full health.
Assistant coach Jose Augusto has taken charge of the team in the meantime. After visiting Machado in hospital yesterday, Augusto was delighted to report that the worst of the illness is now over.
“I went to see him yesterday, and he’s very well. He was good humoured and we talked. He asked me how things have gone, how the team was doing, and I mapped out what’s been happening.
“He’s completely lucid and we talked about everything. He’s very keen on returning as soon as possible. He asked me to thank the players for the support they have shown him and the performances they have put in.”
Return date not setAs for a date for Machado’s return to training duties, Augusto said that is yet to be defined. “For the time being the situation will not change. But at any given moment it could change and I’m here to follow orders.”
Under Augusto Nacional have enjoyed a good run, losing just one of four games, making progress in the Portuguese Cup and moving up to 4th place in the table after the 2-1 victory at Leiria on Monday. The interim coach is keen to keep the momentum going at Pacos de Ferreira in the Week 13 opener tonight.
“Nacional will be playing to win. We respect Pacos, we know they are a difficult team to play against, at a complicated venue, but we have our weapons and I believe Nacional will win the game.”
By Tom Kundert
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