From Artur Jorge to Villas-Boas. What's next for Porto?
May 27th, 1987. A quarter of a century ago, after 94 years of existence, Porto were crowned European Champions for the first time. Artur Jorge, the moustache-wearing tactical mastermind hand-picked by the legendary Pedroto was behind it. The following season Ivić finished Jorge's job and got the Supercup and Intercontinental Cup for the best club in the world in that year. From then on, Porto consistently continued to produce back-to-back Portuguese titles, Cups, and most of all, talent.
But not internationally. It wasn't until 2002, when some guy from Setúbal named José took the job at a club who seemed to be losing gas after the amazing "Penta" (1995-1999). How he built a team of mostly rejects into a back-to-back Uefa Cup/Champions League winning side is well known and nothing short of Historic. But it also led to probably the worst aftermaths of Porto's history. Managers were fired, talent was wasted, crappy players were being bought and sold (and loaned!) left to right.
Only for a year, though. Adriaanse and Jesualdo got things back on track once again.
And then it was André's turn; the one who got his "dream chair" and gave us what was probably (and in many cases factually) Porto's best team ever. And he gave us European glory again. The Europa League was almost too easy, and a great sign for things to come. But he got off his chair to get a more comfy seat in Roman's golden arms, so it was time to rebuild again.
This time Pinto da Costa had learned from the Mourinho case. This time the transition was softer and Porto won the league again. But Porto disappointed in almost every other aspect. Specially in the European side.
This is all well and good. This is all known. But what happens now?
Porto's supporters for the past 25 years have gotten used to nothing but success, increasing success. And they want nothing less than that. Now, Vítor Pereira is arguably doing a better job this year, but you have to ask yourself the question: is he really another Mourinho? Another André? Or just another Jesualdo, another Fernando Santos?
Porto will never lack the talent, our scouting network will always make sure of it. Juan Iturbe, Kelvin, Atsu and the new crown-jewel James Rodriguez are set to keep the well known financial success of the club, and certainly its domestic sporting success.
But Porto's supporters miss the European nights. We miss having a shot at the big money. Arguably it's hard for any team at the moment to compete with the Spanish giants, but surely last year was an indicator that it's possible. Surely if Chelsea can do it, we can do it. If Bayern can do it, so can we; after all a quarter of a century ago it was Bayern who got burnt by Madjer's heel. (sorry Shifty) Surely we can do it again.
Or can we? This may seem like a rich boy problem: "I want MORE!", "Yes I won the league, but I want the TREBLE!". But I'm speaking of a longer term. Pinto da Costa's incomparable leadership is coming to an end, will his closest workers continue to do his amazing job? Will Pereira, who is now starting to get some praise, be able to build a squad solid enough to win against Bayern? Against Manchester United? With the Spanish duopoly? Or will we have to wait another 94 years?
I thought of this from a conversation I was having with some friends about how Porto seem better this year, yet how we all intimately only expect the team to really fight for domestic competitions, and was all I can think about for posting here. Since I had told Az I'd try to do as many as possible, I might as well start with something that's close to the heart!
May 27th, 1987. A quarter of a century ago, after 94 years of existence, Porto were crowned European Champions for the first time. Artur Jorge, the moustache-wearing tactical mastermind hand-picked by the legendary Pedroto was behind it. The following season Ivić finished Jorge's job and got the Supercup and Intercontinental Cup for the best club in the world in that year. From then on, Porto consistently continued to produce back-to-back Portuguese titles, Cups, and most of all, talent.
But not internationally. It wasn't until 2002, when some guy from Setúbal named José took the job at a club who seemed to be losing gas after the amazing "Penta" (1995-1999). How he built a team of mostly rejects into a back-to-back Uefa Cup/Champions League winning side is well known and nothing short of Historic. But it also led to probably the worst aftermaths of Porto's history. Managers were fired, talent was wasted, crappy players were being bought and sold (and loaned!) left to right.
Only for a year, though. Adriaanse and Jesualdo got things back on track once again.
And then it was André's turn; the one who got his "dream chair" and gave us what was probably (and in many cases factually) Porto's best team ever. And he gave us European glory again. The Europa League was almost too easy, and a great sign for things to come. But he got off his chair to get a more comfy seat in Roman's golden arms, so it was time to rebuild again.
This time Pinto da Costa had learned from the Mourinho case. This time the transition was softer and Porto won the league again. But Porto disappointed in almost every other aspect. Specially in the European side.
This is all well and good. This is all known. But what happens now?
Porto's supporters for the past 25 years have gotten used to nothing but success, increasing success. And they want nothing less than that. Now, Vítor Pereira is arguably doing a better job this year, but you have to ask yourself the question: is he really another Mourinho? Another André? Or just another Jesualdo, another Fernando Santos?
Porto will never lack the talent, our scouting network will always make sure of it. Juan Iturbe, Kelvin, Atsu and the new crown-jewel James Rodriguez are set to keep the well known financial success of the club, and certainly its domestic sporting success.
But Porto's supporters miss the European nights. We miss having a shot at the big money. Arguably it's hard for any team at the moment to compete with the Spanish giants, but surely last year was an indicator that it's possible. Surely if Chelsea can do it, we can do it. If Bayern can do it, so can we; after all a quarter of a century ago it was Bayern who got burnt by Madjer's heel. (sorry Shifty) Surely we can do it again.
Or can we? This may seem like a rich boy problem: "I want MORE!", "Yes I won the league, but I want the TREBLE!". But I'm speaking of a longer term. Pinto da Costa's incomparable leadership is coming to an end, will his closest workers continue to do his amazing job? Will Pereira, who is now starting to get some praise, be able to build a squad solid enough to win against Bayern? Against Manchester United? With the Spanish duopoly? Or will we have to wait another 94 years?
I thought of this from a conversation I was having with some friends about how Porto seem better this year, yet how we all intimately only expect the team to really fight for domestic competitions, and was all I can think about for posting here. Since I had told Az I'd try to do as many as possible, I might as well start with something that's close to the heart!
