A senior executive at Portuguese football club Vizela has publicly acknowledged that the club’s strategy of appointing Spanish coaches “did not go well,” signaling a clear pivot towards local expertise in its determined push for promotion to the top-tier Primeira Liga.
Pedro Rodrigues, president of Vizela’s football club administration (SAD) since June, told Canal 11 that the club’s objective remains “clear” to return to Portugal’s premier division. He stated that past decisions to hire Spanish coaches were a “part of the past” and a “part of learning.”
“It didn’t go well, we have to admit it,” Rodrigues said, adding that “it is sometimes with negative moments that we have to learn to come out of them stronger.”
The club has since changed its strategy, now focusing on coaches who possess deep familiarity with the realities of Portugal’s Second League, or Segunda Liga. Rodrigues expressed satisfaction with the current coaching staff and players, who he said have been “fantastic.”
Vizela’s current coach, Ricardo Sousa, was specifically chosen for his strong understanding of the Segunda Liga, having previously managed clubs like Anadia and Felgueiras in lower divisions. Rodrigues noted the decision to appoint Sousa was “a good choice” and that the team is “completely within objectives.”
The club had a strong start to the current season, which Rodrigues deemed “fundamental” for their promotion aspirations.
Last season, under coach Fábio Pereira, Vizela mounted an “excellent recovery,” but a late own goal on the final day of the championship relegated them to third place and a subsequent playoff, narrowly missing direct promotion. Rodrigues affirmed the club is asserting itself “at all levels as a 1st Division club.”
While the team recently experienced an unexpected early exit from the Portuguese Cup, which Rodrigues called “a big surprise,” he stressed that the competition was not a primary objective. The focus quickly returned to the league campaign and the ultimate goal of promotion.