Ricardo Sa Pinto breaks silence on "unexpected" sacking

Portuguese manager Ricardo Sa Pinto has released a statement in the aftermath of his dismissal as Braga head coach.

The former Portugal international footballer was sacked two days before Christmas, his last match in charge being a 1-4 victory over Pacos Ferreira in the League Cup, a win that saw them advance to the semi-final of the domestic cup competition.

With Braga having also topped their Europa League group, finishing above Wolverhampton Wanderers, Slovan Bratislava and Besiktas, his sacking came as a surprise, even if Braga had been struggling to leave an impression on the Portuguese Primeira Liga, sitting 8th in the Portuguese top flight.

Sa Pinto himself revealed that the decision came unexpectedly, writing as much in a message to the players and fans following his departure.

In the message, the 47-year old Portuguese said: “To our team and all those who worked with me daily at SC Braga. Unable to say goodbye to you personally given the unexpected situation, I come here [on social media] to thank you for the commitment and dedication you have always shown in our challenges.”

“These were challenges that were able to be overcome in an exemplary manner, raising the level of demand in the Portuguese and international footballing landscape.”

“I am very proud to have led this working group and to have shared so many joys and victories. To the fans, I leave a word of thanks for the support you have given to the team. Merry Christmas and wishing you a great 2020.”

Sa Pinto’s run of failing to remain at a club for move than a matter of months continues, with the 47-year old having managed 10 clubs in the last 7 years.

Ricardo Sa Pinto. Photo author: Анна Нэсси. License link.