Porto plump for Adriaanse
Monday, May 23, 2005
Article summary
A UEFA Cup semi-finalist with AZ Alkmaar, Dutchman Co Adriaanse has been unveiled as FC Porto's latest coach.
Article body
'A great challenge'
"Coming here is a great challenge because this is the first time I am going to coach a team outside my country, and that team is the reigning world champion. It's a huge step in my career," said the former AFC Ajax trainer.
Couceiro exit
Porto, the Portuguese league runners-up who finished three points behind champions SL Benfica, parted company with José Couceiro on Sunday after their final league game. Couceiro had arrived at Porto in February, becoming the club's third coach since José Mourinho left to take over at Chelsea FC.
'I have what it takes'
Adriaanse, meanwhile, revealed in January that he would quit Alkmaar at the end of the campaign after three years at the helm, with Louis van Gaal set to replace him. "I can make two promises," Adriaanse added. "One is that we are going to be champions next season. The second is that Porto will play skilful, attractive football. I have what it takes to build a great team."
