Since taking over as the Porto manager with the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, Vitor Pereira has claimed three pieces of silverware for the Dragoes. Two Portuguese Supercup's and the league title last season, but having dropped two more points against Maritimo last night, it looks as if Porto fans have had it with the Portuguese manager.
In his first stint at the top level in Portugal, one would have to agree that he has not done all that bad. His first season in charge at the Estadio do Dragao was welcomed by the Portuguese League title, so it is difficult to understand such frustration at times from the Porto fans.
Last season he won the Portuguese title with a six point cushion over Benfica, having won 23 matches, drawn six and losing only one. This season he has 17 victories, six draws and zero losses with seven matches remaining, so he could well match his numbers from last season, so why all the panic?
Prior to being eliminated from the Champions League by Malaga, Porto had already dropped two points against Sporting, which Benfica took full advantage of. On Sunday, coming off that deflating defeat to Malaga, Porto dropped two more points, this time away to Maritimo.
Upon the teams arrival back home, Porto fans showed their unhappiness with the result, and subsequent separation between them and Benfica. Their was one sign that stated, "Play football you clowns," and, "Honor our uniform."
It is very difficult to understand such frustration from fans who are used to winning more often than not. So just because of a slip-up or two, things need to get this far out of hand?
Former Benfica and Porto manager Artur Jorge believes that Benfica should still be cautious until the end of the season.
"I think the people associated with FC Porto are now more nervous than they were just a few days ago, because the situation is now more complicated," he said on Correio da Manha. "When teams win, the coaches are safe."
"Benfica is better than FC Porto at the moment. 15 days ago, Porto was doing well, but now they are not. In football, you do not always win. Benfica is playing well and they took more of a lead in the league standings, but the title has not been decided."
Antonio Oliveira, former Porto and Portuguese National Team manager said that he would like to see Jorge Jesus manage Porto, but while that looks far fetched, he is convinced that Porto President Pinto da Costa already has his manager lined up for next season.
"Jorge Jesus is a very competitive manager. He is doing a great job, not only bringing in money, but also in the way Benfica is playing," he told Portuguese radio station Antena 1.
"I am not sure if it is Benfica that does not want Jorge Jesus to stay, or if it is Jesus himself who does not want to stay. If he is a manager good enough for Benfica, then he is clearly good enough for Porto. Judging by my experience with Porto, I believe Porto already has a manager for next season, but it certainly is not due to the fact they lost against Malaga."
Two former Porto managers came out and spoke about Porto's current situation, but it still seems slightly harsh to nearly crucify a manager who quite frankly has not been all that bad. It would be understandable if he had gone two seasons without claiming any titles, but he has three already to his name and has kept things very tight at the top of the table. Heck, he has yet to lose a match in the current domestic league and is four points adrift of first place with seven matches remaining. Has he really been that bad?
Should Porto part ways with Vitor Pereira if he is unable to claim the Portuguese League for a second successive season?
