When José Manuel Aira stepped into the Penafiel dugout, he didn’t waste a moment. It’s fair to say he arrived, saw, and quickly conquered. This Spanish coach has guided the team to two victories in his first two matches. More than just winning, Aira has brought a new sense of confidence to the group, and they’ve kept their goal completely locked down during this strong start.
The 49-year-old manager wasted no time making his mark. He decided to shake things up, moving to a system with three central defenders. This wasn’t a cautious tweak; it was a bold statement. The players in the Duriense squad embraced the change. They quickly showed that Aira’s daring gamble paid off, proving the new setup works.
Now, a unique opportunity presents itself. Penafiel exited the Portuguese Cup, which means a break from competitive games. Aira and his team will have roughly three weeks without matches. This quiet period is a gift. It allows the coach to fine-tune his ideas and strengthen the bonds within his new defensive shape, ready to build on this promising start.