Preview: Paulo Fonseca's first match in charge could end with a title
Even after claiming a second consecutive Portuguese League title last season, Porto parted ways with Vítor Pereira. It had been rumored for quite some time that the Portuguese manager would move on from the club, but that finally became official when former Paços de Ferreira manager Paulo Fonseca was appointed as the new leader of the Dragões.
Fonseca has had his fair share of pre-season matches to not only get acquainted with his new players, but he also had a chance to get used to the daily pressures of managing a top club in Portugal.
On Saturday, he will get his first chance at some silverware, in his first official match as Porto's manager.
"The most important is the club's victory," Fonseca told the Portuguese Press when questioned about his first official match in charge.
"I would be lying if I said I did not want to win my first match in charge of the club. I really want to win, especially considering it is a final. But the most important is what we can offer the club, and we would like to claim our first title of the season on Saturday," Fonseca added.
In order to lift the Portuguese Supertaça for the 20th time, a national record, the Portuguese Champions will need to defeat a Vitória de Guimarães side that shocked Benfica in the final of the Taça de Portugal. Despite knowing that Porto goes into this match as the favorites, Leonel Olímpio believes that the Minhotos play with an advantage of their own.
"We have an advantage in regards to Porto, which is not having changed managers," Olímpio said on Friday. "We have kept our style of play, and we all know exactly what we need to do to win."
Given that this is a one and done match, anything can happen. Porto's manager change should not really alter too much within the squad, but having lost James Rodriguez and João Moutinho in the off-season, that could make a difference.
With the number of experienced players in their squad who have claimed numerous titles since arriving at the club, Porto should be heavy favorites, regardless of who left or arrived.
Guimarães is a club that is not used to claiming titles, but after defeating Benfica just a few months ago, their appetite for more could propel them to yet another piece of silverware. Expect a hard fought match, with Guimarães looking to explore the counter-attack, knowing that Porto will control possession for most of the match.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels
Watch Porto vs Vitória Guimarães live:
In the USA at 15:45 ET on RTP Internacional.
In Canada at 15:45 ET on RTP Internacional.
Internationally on RTP Internacional.
