Fractured, Ill-Disciplined and Lacking Starpower: What Lies Ahead for Matheus at FC Porto?
Host 1 (Carlos): Welcome back to “Outside The Top 5,” the podcast that takes a deep dive into the world of football outside the major European leagues.
As we continue our end of season review, let’s shift our focus to Portugal. The last day was mostly uneventful, with perhaps the most interesting game of the day happening at the Dragão. Diego, what went down in Porto?
Host 2 (Diego): They ended the season with a pretty convincing 4–1 loss to Portimonense, who only confirmed their safety in the league a few weeks ago. Luquinha, in particular, was in great form as he has been all season. The home fans were visibly frustrated by half-time, expressing their dissatisfaction with a cascade of boos echoing through the stadium. And, it only got worse in the second half. It was the crappy cherry on the top of an abysmal cake.
Carlos: What lovely imagery, Diego. I can almost taste it. The loss against Portimonense marked Porto’s lowest finish in the league since 1976. They will not play Champions League football next year, which has created a whole raft of other problems that we will come back to, in a little while.
But, what struck me the most, Diego, amid the shock and the anger, was the almost-messianic chanting for Matheus, who was in the stands for the first time since his appointment was announced in April. He will be in the dugout next season, and it’s clear that the fans are fully on board with him.
Diego: That’s right, Carlos. The frustration and disappointment are palpable — but there is real cause for optimism for next year. However, before we talk about the future, let’s rewind a bit and talk about Porto’s season as a whole.
They struggled to find any rhythm, both domestically and in Europe:
- They finished in fourth place in the league,
- Crashed out of the cup in the quarter finals to Maritimo,
- And finished third in their Champions League group, before exiting the Europa League at the hands of AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16.
Carlos: It’s clear that Porto’s season has been marred by inconsistency and underperformance. And the consequences are starting to show, Diego. The failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League will have a significant impact on the financial situation at the club, who are quite reliant upon their consistency in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the squad is about to get considerably worse. Diogo Costa has had enough; we know he is already off to Chelsea for a reported fee of 25 million Euros. We also anticipate the departures of Pepê to Lazio for around 15 million Euros, and Evanilson to Inter Milan, for roughly 29 million Euros.
Diego, what’s your take on the squad going into next year?
Diego: Otávio, their captain, continues to be the best performer in that team. Then, I think there are some quality players who are perhaps just lacking in confidence, such as Gabriel Veron and David Carmo. Beyond that, there’s a lot of mediocrity. But, Carlos, the failure to quality for the Champions League is a huge blow in a number of ways. Yes, they are set to lose their most-prized assets, however, their ability to replace them like they usually would is going to be incredibly difficult. The kind of players Porto have attracted in the past may look instead to Benfica or Sporting or even Braga. So, it’s clear that Porto will need to navigate the transfer market even more strategically than they usually do.
Carlos: Absolutely, we know that this will be a pivotal summer for Porto in the transfer market. Especially, as they try to align their current squad to fit the needs of their new man, Matheus, who will take his first managerial job in Europe.
Let’s talk more about him now. He has returned to his former club following three seasons in Korea, managing FC Seoul. He’s a certified legend in these parts, after a playing career that saw him win the Champions League with Porto and Real Madrid; lifted the UEFA Cup and Europa League, and a multitude of domestic honours. But, what can we expect from Matheus, the manager?
Diego: It’s an intriguing appointment, Carlos. First of all, he has proved he is a winner. He took an out-of-sorts FC Seoul, similar to the predicament that Porto find themselves in, and led them to three consecutive K-League titles, including an invincible season. He formed a disciplined, organised unit, who played a fun, fluid, attacking style of possession football. But it’s also no surprise that a student of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, has demonstrated a willingness to be pragmatic: exploiting the weaknesses of their opponents. It’s a refreshing approach that we hope will bring new life to Porto’s gameplay.
Carlos: Indeed, Diego. He has also demonstrated his ability to work with younger players, hasn’t he?
Diego: Correct. During his time at FC Seoul, he showed a willingness to trust in young players and help them reach their full potential. Kang Seong Jin is tearing it up at Southampton. Yang Hyeon Goon was his replacement, and he too, looks to on the cusp of a move to Europe in the near future as well.
But, I think Matheus has proved he can work with any player of any age, and help them excel. Look at André Gomes. It’s no secret that I feel he has never lived up to his potential, but he was in the form of his life in Korea under Matheus, flourishing as a classic number 10. And, it was Matheus who wanted him specifically, to play in that role.
Carlos: You’re right, Diego. And that’s exactly what Porto feel they need right now — a manager who can instil a winning mentality, make any player and lead the team back to the top. There were bumps along the way for him in Korea: this will not be a painless process for anyone involved. But, Matheus has proven that he can handle pressure, win competitions and deliver results in high-stakes matches.
FC Seoul were unlucky not to win the AFC Champions League back in December, going down in extra time to the timeless Cristiano Ronaldo. But, surely that experience will undoubtedly benefit Matheus’ growth as a manager?
Diego: Absolutely, Carlos. With Matheus at the helm, I have really high hopes for Porto’s future. His tactical acumen, ability to develop young talent, and winning mentality make him a perfect fit for the club. They may have had an awful year, but it’s done, dusted. I believe Matheus can turn things around and bring Porto back to their former glory.
Carlos: Well said, Diego. It’s an exciting time to be a Porto fan, and we’ll be here every step of the way, analysing and discussing the team’s progress under Matheus. Now, let’s turn to attention elsewhere…
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