Former Everton assistant manager João Pedro Sousa has been presented by Portuguese side Famalicão as their new boss.
The 47-year-old held a press conference at his new club, speaking of the ‘ambitious’ project they have to fight for bigger things in the Portuguese league from now on.
Sousa had been Marco Silva’s assistant for years. They worked together at Estoril, Sporting, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford and Everton.
That’s why the name of the Toffees manager was mentioned several times in the interview, with Sousa claiming that they’ve had several conversations before he accepted Famalicão’s offer.
“After talking to Marco Silva, I understood that this would be the right time,” João Pedro Sousa told the local press (via A Bola).
Famalicão’s CEO Miguel Ribeiro has also spoken about Everton. He thanked the Toffees for making the move easy, especially because things have been done pretty quickly.
“João Pedro Sousa was tied to Everton and the process was only closed a few days ago. I want to thank manager Marco Silva and Marcel Brands, Everton’s managing director, because they also helped in this process.”
Outlet Record also brings quotes from the press conference. João Pedro Sousa has recalled that some important managers started as assistants, and it was time for him to take his chance too.
“These situations have happened in the past with coaches such as José Mourinho, André Villas-Boas, or, more recently, Bruno Laje. I feel that I am prepared for a challenge with this requirement.
“I pondered with Marco Silva my departure because Famalicão’s project is ambitious and, because I am an ambitious person, I accepted the challenge.”
Sousa has also thanked Everton for giving him “a lot of support in the club’s disengagement process because they believe this new project is ambitious.”
