Following Olhanense’s worst defeat in 40 years, a 7-0 drubbing at Sporting ‘B’, it was not totally unexpected when Antonio Conceição was relieved of his duties. There had been high expectations that the man who took Moreirense to the Second Division title last season would launch the Algarve side back towards the Primeira Liga but results have been inconsistent and defeats by local rivals SC Farense and Sporting Lisbon ‘B’ triggered the dismissal.
Olhanense wasted no time in appointing Jorge Paixão to replace Conceição. Within 24 hours, the former boss of SC Farense was installed in the hot seat, which has seen eight incumbents in the past 24 months.
Paixão was in the frame at the start of the season but accepted an invitation to take charge at Polish club Zawisza Bydgoszcz. Despite winning Poland’s Supercup, a cycle of five consecutive defeats and poor working conditions resulted in the 48-year-old former Braga boss terminating his contract in late August.
Speaking on his new appointment, he said: “I made a mistake by going to Poland and I am very happy to join Olhanense who I know have ambitions to return to the top flight. There is obviously something wrong here, with the team languishing in the bottom half of the table. The players must take more responsibility for their performances. The fans deserve better and I aim to mould a winning team.”
Jorge Paixão’s first opportunity to win over the fans is tomorrow (Saturday) when Olhanense entertain Lisbon outfit Oriental in the third round of the Portugal Cup. Kick-off is 4pm at the Estádio José Arcanjo, Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125).
Honours are all square between the two clubs this season. Oriental won the League Cup tie 3-1 in Olhão in August whilst Olhanense ran out 2-0 victors in their recent league clash in Lisbon. Next Wednesday October 22, Olhanense return to league action when they are at home to Beira-Mar, kick-off 4pm.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Jorge Paixão (left) and Igor Campedelli (Olhanense SAD Vice-President)
