Machado takes the helm at Braga

Manuel Machado has been named as the new coach of UEFA Cup contenders SC Braga two months after being dismissed by Liga rivals A. Académica de Coimbra.

Campaign plans
"I want to continue the good performances in the UEFA Cup while in the league the goal is to finish in the top places so we can play in Europe next season", said the 51-year-old, who counts CD Nacional, Vitória SC and Moreirense FC among his previous clubs. "Aside from that, we also want to have a good campaign in the Portuguese Cup." Braga are not in UEFA Cup action this week after earning a 1-1 draw at Bolton Wanderers FC in their opening game. They play host to FC Bayern München on Matchday 3.

Commitment
Machado will take command of the club in earnest next week, leaving caretaker António Caldas in charge for this weekend's game against Sporting Clube de Portugal. The northern club are currently eighth in the 16-team Liga, with the new coach – who replaces Jorge Costa – saying: "I hope everyone will be supportive and work hard, including the board, the players and the fans."