Liga lethargy costs Jorge Costa

He may have guided SC Braga into the group stage of the UEFA Cup, but poor form in the Portuguese Liga has led to coach Jorge Costa being released from his duties with the northern club.

Bolton draw
Although Braga began their Group F campaign with a 1-1 draw at Bolton Wanderers FC last Thursday, they have failed to reproduce their UEFA Cup form on home soil and last night's 1-1 draw at A. Naval 1° Maio yielded only their eleventh point from eight Liga games. That was not enough for Braga's directors who today decided to end Costa's eight-month coaching tenure.

'Results and performances'
A statement said: "The club have released Jorge Costa from his contract with immediate effect. Chairman António Salvador met Jorge Costa and informed him of the decision, which was quickly accepted. This decision was down to poor results and performances. We want to thank Jorge Costa for all his work and dedication. The team will temporarily be led by the assistant coaches."

February appointment
Appointed as a replacement for Rogério Gonçalves in February, the former FC Porto captain, 36, steered Braga to a fourth-place finish last term, and subsequently past Hammarby to reach the last 40 of the UEFA Cup. Braga, who sit seventh in the Liga, are next in European action at home to FC Bayern München on 29 November.