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Sheffield Wednesday’s gut wrenching play-off failure has of course been a big blow to the club, but it was clear before the game that failure to achieve promotion would lead to questions about Carlos Carvalhal.

With a desire to manage in the big time, Carvalhal leaving the club has been a possibility for a while. There’s also been some confusion over the manager’s contract at Sheffield Wednesday, with some media announcing a renewal last year, and extension beyond this summer, and that not being believed by some in Portugal.

Earlier this month Portuguese newspaper Record reported Carvalhal ‘has not yet decided whether to continue’. Just before that, Carvalhal himself had been speaking to the Portuguese media, and explained: “In time we will make the best decision for myself and my staff. But without pressure or precipitation.

“It’s a very strong possibility for everything. The fans like us, the team was created by us, the idea of the game is ours and the philosophy too. We are breaking down many barriers. We have the best record in the history of the club and the notion that our name will be marked. This factor will weigh in the decision.”

Over the past week the English media have linked Carvalhal with potentially taking over at Norwich City, Watford, and Porto. Whilst they may have a better hold on the first two clubs, it’s simply unreasonable to believe the English media know best who Porto are considering for their new manager, with there not even being a vacancy yet.

At this stage, and over the past week, there’s been no talking up of Carvalhal to Porto coming from Portugal. Sure, the English reports have been covered, but just in a matter of fact way, without them being given big weight or prominence in Portugal.

If the Portuguese media thought Carvalhal was potentially on the verge of becoming Porto manager, it would be huge news. There are three daily sports newspaper in Portugal, with a wide circulation, and the links between media and clubs are very strong indeed.