Fonseca takes Porto reins from Pereira

FC Porto have unveiled Paulo Fonseca as their new coach following the departure yesterday of Vítor Pereira for Saudi club al-Ahli.

Fonseca has penned a two-year deal with the Dragons and arrives with a glowing reputation: he secured FC Paços de Ferreira third place in the Portuguese Liga and a 2013/14 UEFA Champions League berth in his first season in charge of a top-flight team. As a player, the 40-year-old represented CF Estrela da Amadora, Vitória SC, CS Marítimo and CF Os Belenenses.

"It is an honour to represent the champions. I couldn't be happier and it was an easy decision to make," the former CD Aves boss said. "I have ambition. I usually like to play with balance and keep possession – that is the hallmark of my teams. I want my team to dominate at a high tempo, and for that we need a team with solidarity."

His predecessor Pereira signed a two-year contract with al-Ahli after two terms at the Porto helm. Former centre-back Fonseca has a tough act to follow at Estádio do Dragão, as Porto were crowned champions of Portugal for a third year running and finished the campaign unbeaten.