Struggling Setúbal call time on Toni
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Article summary
Vitória FC have confirmed that coach António 'Toni' Conceição has left the struggling Portuguese Liga club following six defeats in seven games.
Article body
September succession
Oliveira, better known as 'Toni', took over at Setúbal in mid-September from former player Hélio Sousa, who stood down following the 3-0 home loss to SC Heerenveen in the UEFA Cup first round first leg. Although his reign began with a 1-0 victory against Boavista FC, Toni has been unable to inspire a turnaround in the club's fortunes and his 12-game tenure brought only one more win, 2-0 against CD Das Aves on 15 October.
Losing streak
That disappointing run has included defeats in six of Setúbal's last seven Liga outings, leaving the team in 14th position with nine points from 13 matches. As with his predecessor, a 3-0 home reverse – against Sporting Clube de Portugal on Saturday – proved the final straw for Toni. "We had a friendly conversation and I am sad to see him go. But I thought it would be the best solution for the club," said chairman Jorge Santana. Assistant coach Carlos Cardoso will take temporary charge, with his first assignment being Saturday's trip to SL Benfica.
