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Champions League Comment: Porto's Domestic Woes Won't Affect European Spirit
The former Champions League winners can forget about a poor season at home...
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Mar 8, 2010 4:00:00 PM
By Ewan Macdonald
With Porto's win against Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16 first leg came a great deal of acclaim. The side led by first Artur Jorge and later Jose Mourinho to the top honour in European football once again looked capable of taking at least another step towards a repeat performance.
But those observers ready to heap praise on last season's champions would do well to remember that the odds of Porto representing their country in next year's competition are, at best, slim.
That's because with less than a third of the Liga Sagres remaining Porto are more than two wins away from even a Champions League qualification spot, much less the championship.
Third Time, Third Place
Fans are understandably unhappy with Porto's standing this season, with many stating that the time is right for a summer clear-out. That's largely down to one word: inconsistency. Even highly-regarded players such as Fucile have struggled to make an impact when their side fails to take an early lead, and if the likes of Fernando are absent it can be a long struggle.
Defensively, too, there are worries. Porto are shipping almost a goal a game - unthinkable when one remembers the watertight sides of the last two seasons - and have managed just seven clean sheets all season. Particularly embarassing was the 3-0 loss to national rivals Sporting - a result that came hot on the heels of that famous win over Arsenal - with goalkeeper Helton coming in for much criticism in the process.
Indeed, Porto have this season begun to ship goals and lose matches when placed under pressure. With the exception of the recent trouncing of Braga, must-win situations domestically have cost the Dragons.
Coach Jesualdo Ferreira, the long-serving manager, is thus seemingly unable to make it four in a row. His trusty 4-3-3, so often a force to be reckoned with in the past, is suddenly showing its shortcomings. With no Fernando to boss the midfield, Tomas Costa can sometimes be a lacking replacement; when Mariano Gonzalez can't find his crossing boots, trouble ensues.
Still, at least in the Portuguese Cup, Porto are looking good value for a win as they prepare to face modest Rio Ave in the semis. This marks out the northerners as a cup team - as does their Champions League form.
Yet not all is lost. Porto are clearly going all-out for the Emirates encounter, given that they opted to rest influential vice-captain Raul Meireles and half of their defensive line. At a stroke the team will be improved from the one that could only manage a draw with Olhanense at the weekend. That will become even more the case if Varela is given back a starting berth.
That's not the only boon. Also available is Hulk. The burly forward is in the midst of a massive four-month domestic ban for allegedly striking a steward following his side's frustrating 1-0 loss at Benfica just before Christmas.
A lack of match sharpness is a real worry for the man who made is name in Japan with Kawasaki Frontale and Tokyo Verdy, but exhaustion, on the other hand, is not. It's true that he didn't have the best time of it in the first leg - a lack of chemistry really began to tell - but having now experienced this season's Arsenal he may hit form once more.
It's far from rosy on the domestic front, but Porto cannot be written off. They've proved in the past that they're European specialists. In a season that has little else to offer them, this year may see them earn that title yet again, out of necessity if nothing else.
But those observers ready to heap praise on last season's champions would do well to remember that the odds of Porto representing their country in next year's competition are, at best, slim.
That's because with less than a third of the Liga Sagres remaining Porto are more than two wins away from even a Champions League qualification spot, much less the championship.
Third Time, Third Place
Fans are understandably unhappy with Porto's standing this season, with many stating that the time is right for a summer clear-out. That's largely down to one word: inconsistency. Even highly-regarded players such as Fucile have struggled to make an impact when their side fails to take an early lead, and if the likes of Fernando are absent it can be a long struggle.
Defensively, too, there are worries. Porto are shipping almost a goal a game - unthinkable when one remembers the watertight sides of the last two seasons - and have managed just seven clean sheets all season. Particularly embarassing was the 3-0 loss to national rivals Sporting - a result that came hot on the heels of that famous win over Arsenal - with goalkeeper Helton coming in for much criticism in the process.
Indeed, Porto have this season begun to ship goals and lose matches when placed under pressure. With the exception of the recent trouncing of Braga, must-win situations domestically have cost the Dragons.
Coach Jesualdo Ferreira, the long-serving manager, is thus seemingly unable to make it four in a row. His trusty 4-3-3, so often a force to be reckoned with in the past, is suddenly showing its shortcomings. With no Fernando to boss the midfield, Tomas Costa can sometimes be a lacking replacement; when Mariano Gonzalez can't find his crossing boots, trouble ensues.
Still, at least in the Portuguese Cup, Porto are looking good value for a win as they prepare to face modest Rio Ave in the semis. This marks out the northerners as a cup team - as does their Champions League form.
To avoid scenes like this, Porto must eschew domestic form in Europe
Yet not all is lost. Porto are clearly going all-out for the Emirates encounter, given that they opted to rest influential vice-captain Raul Meireles and half of their defensive line. At a stroke the team will be improved from the one that could only manage a draw with Olhanense at the weekend. That will become even more the case if Varela is given back a starting berth.
That's not the only boon. Also available is Hulk. The burly forward is in the midst of a massive four-month domestic ban for allegedly striking a steward following his side's frustrating 1-0 loss at Benfica just before Christmas.
A lack of match sharpness is a real worry for the man who made is name in Japan with Kawasaki Frontale and Tokyo Verdy, but exhaustion, on the other hand, is not. It's true that he didn't have the best time of it in the first leg - a lack of chemistry really began to tell - but having now experienced this season's Arsenal he may hit form once more.
It's far from rosy on the domestic front, but Porto cannot be written off. They've proved in the past that they're European specialists. In a season that has little else to offer them, this year may see them earn that title yet again, out of necessity if nothing else.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
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