Carlos Carvalhal’s success in charge of Sheffield Wednesday is always celebrated in Portugal. The local press keep following the club’s results after every fixture, as it’s a pride for them to have one of their managers doing well in such a difficult league.
Newspaper A Bola has managed an interview with him this week, during which the manager shows his gratefulness for the affections he’s been receiving from fans, and obviously, for having beat Newcastle United at St. James’ Park last weekend.
Speaking of the good league run, Carvalhal said: “The Championship is among the hardest leagues. The fourth most important in Europe. Super competitive.
“It becomes even harder due to the big sequence of games. That’s why it’s also more exciting. It’s a marathon we have to run, overcoming injuries, suspensions. You quickly win and lose many points. But the team have been in a upward curve, getting stability.
“The difference is that now I’m in a country which gives me stability to work, a country which matches my characteristics. I’m better understood.
“I’m very inflexible in my leadership and in the polite way to communicate. To be a leader, it’s not needed to shout loud. Leader is the one who makes the others to follow.”
Carvalhal also revealed he’s been meeting many Portuguese fans, and they’re all invited for a private chat after the games.
“In almost every stadium I see a Portuguese flag. I always try to reciprocate the attention. I’ve welcomed many groups of Portuguese at home and when I know they’re at the stadium I always invite them to be with us, in my room, to eat something.
“I’ve already received a group from Lisbon, also from Porto, Leiria. There’ve been Portuguese traveling to watch a Sheffield game.”
Sheffield Wednesday are currently in sixth place of the Championship table, getting the last spot for a possible playoff. Carvalhal has always said it would be difficult to fight against the likes of Aston Villa and Norwich City for promotion, but the Owls are currently in front of both.
