It looks like Reading are really interested in taking a manager from the Portuguese League, and that’s not just gossip.
After Luís Castro from Vitória Guimarães confirmed he’s rejected the chance to take charge of the Royals, it’s now José Gomes from Rio Ave who’s received an invitation.
The manager talked about it in a press conference on Sunday, where he claimed that he won’t push for the move and will let his club decide what’s best.
“It is true I have received an invitation. The contact they had with me was not longer than that,” said José Gomes (via O Jogo). “I’ve been many years outside the country. This is a matter of Rio Ave, I am employee of the club, but who received me with open arms in the country was Rio Ave. I never will turn my back to those who trusted me, it’s not a financial issue.”
“I am very happy here. I feel part of this family, regardless of financial issues, the difference of football in England, but I would never turn the back to those who trusted me. For my relationship with Rio Ave, with people, with supporters, would be a very difficult decision to take.”
José Gomes started his career being an assistant of Jesualdo Ferreira, when he worked in Portugal at União Leiria, Moreirense, Aves and Porto, then moving to Spain to work at Malaga.
As a manager, Rio Ave is the first club he’s been in charge of in Portugal. Gomes worked at Panathinaikos, Videoton, Taawon, Ahli and Bani Yas Abu Dhabi before getting a job in his own country.
