President of Braga criticizes Artur Jorge: “He signed a contract in absentia” | Portuguese football

President of Braga, António Salvador directed several criticisms at coach Artur Jorge, who had his departure from the Portuguese club made official this Wednesday morning to Botafogo. During a press conference, the director questions the coach’s stance in negotiations with the Rio club.

– We had the objective, by 2025, of continuing the connection that had united us since 2017 and that allowed us to develop joint work, from the training levels to the main team. It was my intention for it to be clear, inside and out, a message of great confidence and stability. I am not unaware of what happened, in the months that followed (the renewal), external sources of pressure, dissatisfaction, which we always knew how to block because we were convinced of the path we had taken – said António Salvador.

Following the press conference, the director revealed that the coach arranged for him to go to Botafogo during a dinner with John Textor, owner of SAF do Alvinegro. Last Tuesday, Artur Jorge watched Lyon’s French Cup game last Tuesday alongside the American businessman.

– Despite being surprised at the recurrence with which, from a certain moment on, the coach began to refer to his departure, I must recognize that it was with great surprise that I learned, indirectly and without any request, that, last Monday , coach Artur Jorge met at a dinner, in Matosinhos, with businessman John Textor, having reached an agreement in principle for his immediate transfer. Not wanting to go into details, I must just say that it became clear to me and to everyone, within the squad and structure, that the leadership position that a coach must assume in a club of this size and responsibility was irremediably compromised. , threatening the success of the current season and the medium and long-term vision that has always guided us – he stated.

Asked about the value of the coach’s termination fine with Braga, António Salvador stated that Artur Jorge negotiated with Botafogo unilaterally. The Portuguese club will receive the value of 2 million euros (around R$10.9 million) for the transaction.

“Artur Jorge signed a contract without regard to the club and created all the conditions to not continue. As president, it was up to me to defend the club’s interests as much as possible”, completed António Salvador.

For the final stretch of the season, Braga will be led by coach Rui Duarte. However, the club already has a name to fill the position permanently for next season: Daniel Sousa, current Arouca coach.

Braga occupies fourth place in the Portuguese Championship, with 56 points won, twelve less than leader Sporting (68). With just seven games left until the end of the tournament, the team is fighting for a place in the Champions League.