Paciência to leave Braga after all-Portuguese final
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
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Out of contract at the end of the season, Domingos Paciência is to stand down as SC Braga coach after the final against FC Porto. "The fans will understand and forgive me," he said.
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SC Braga coach Domingos Paciência has ended speculation about his future by confirming that he will leave the UEFA Europa League finalists after the Dublin showpiece against FC Porto.
The 42-year-old – who is out of contract at the end of the season – made the announcement at Braga's media open day ahead of the final on 18 May. "The fans will understand and forgive me for not continuing in Braga," he said. "I've always been honest about working methods and dealing with issues. I'm very grateful for the recognition I've received."
Paciência made an immediate impact after replacing Jorge Jesus on a two-year deal in June 2009, guiding the northern Portuguese outfit to a club-best second place in the Liga in his first campaign. He followed that up by leading the Arsenalistas into the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time and then overseeing victories against, among others, Liverpool FC and SL Benfica en route to the UEFA Europa League final.
"What I've said is not news to anyone," the former Porto and Portugal striker added. "You [the press] are always talking about it. The [Braga] president himself [António Salvador] talked about it after the match against Benfica, saying that I was going to miss Braga."
