Portuguese newspaper Record today features a two-page interview with Gonçalo Santos, who’ll be joining Fulham this summer.
The coach used to be an assistant at Casa Pia, and in the past few months he was given the opportunity to be an interim manager for 13 games.
That’s when Marco Silva called him to join him at Fulham. Since Luis Boa Morte is leaving to take charge of Guinea-Bissau, there’s an open spot in the coaching team.
Santos has now explained his reasons for accepting the invitation, claiming that even though he had just become a first team manager, he needed to take this job now and that it isn’t a ‘step backwards’.
“No. I finished my playing career three years ago and came to the 1st League after two years as a coach, but I also realise that I haven’t finished my training, I don’t have UEFA Pro level and that’s a handicap, not being able to sit on the bench. So I’m going to finish my training and the decision was very much influenced by that.”
“Yes, of course. Marco Silva is someone I respect and admire a lot. After everything we’ve been through together at Estoril, the club’s most beautiful history, he’s someone I’ve followed throughout my career and with whom I identify as a coach. This invitation will give me the chance to work with one of Portugal’s best coaches. Apart from José Mourinho, who opened the doors to the world for us, I think Marco is perhaps the best Portuguese coach at the moment, on a par with Rúben Amorim.
“He’s the only one who’s been at four different Premier League clubs, stabilised and very well regarded in England. He’s going to give me the chance to grow and learn and I’m going to the best league in the world, because after the Premier League there’s nothing else.”
Santos even admitted he considered staying at Casa Pia, who finished the Portuguese League in 9th, with him having a record of five wins, three draws and five defeats. He says he rejected other offers before, but ended up accepting Fulham’s.
“Yes, because you feel things are going well. When public opinion and the feedback from everyone who works with you is very positive, you feel the urge to lead a process. I had that opportunity during my time at Casa Pia, but it was my decision.”
The interview didn’t have many direct questions about Fulham, which is probably something that was agreed in advance.
