NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) on Monday announced the signing of Portuguese coach Joao Carlos Pires de Deus for the 2017-18 Indian Super League (ISL) season. The 40-year-old takes over from Nelo Vingada, who guided the team to fifth position in the eight-team tournament last season.
Deus started his career as an assistant coach of Portugal, winning the Portuguese Cup and reaching the Super Cup final. He also won the Angola League and the Angola National Cup during his phase as an assistant coach. In 2009, he became the head coach of the Cape Verde national team. He was also appointed the head coach of Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B'.
Speaking on the appointment, NEUFC owner and Bollywood actor John Abraham said: "The DNA of NEUFC has always been riddled with youth. I am delighted to welcome Joao on board who is a tactically astute young coach with the track record of honing young talent and playing exciting football."
"We hope that he will be able to channelise the strengths of this club and help us achieve our objectives this season. I wish him the very best and would like to assure the fans that we will work hard in every department to fulfill our collective expectations."
"I am a very positive man and I am very positive about the challenge that I have with NorthEast United FC. The club is new with a vibrant fan base and owners who have the right vision to develop football in the region. I can assure the fans that we will play positive football and that all the players and the staff will work hard."
"We will leave no stone unturned so that we can achieve our objectives. I believe that young players are important in any campaign and will ensure that they fit seamlessly into our setup. This year, we will be focused on playing good football and winning as many games as we can...taking it one game at a time," Deus said.
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