FC Porto presidential candidate André Villas-Boas warned this Wednesday, at the end of the election campaign, of the need to “free the club from the connections and interests that have caused so much damage in recent years.”
The candidate addressed the “unprecedented financial crisis” affecting Porto, once again condemning the “expected revenues” as well as the “lack of rigor”.
“We are losing competitiveness because of the ineffectiveness of management, planning, lack of rigor and the indifference with which they look at Porto,” said Andre Villas-Boas, who confirmed that if elected he would not leave. all those who harmed the club went unpunished.
“They leave us with Porto shabby, with gigantic liabilities and under the shadow of a three-year competition fine from UEFA. They leave us with Porto, who have just sold another of their rings, and 30% of their commercial income, in exchange for a very small amount they spend thousands of euros every month on companies owned by someone who wants to take over our club,” he further emphasized.
Despite this, Andre Villas-Boas expressed gratitude for the years of Pinto da Costa’s presidency, but charted a new course for the future.
“These last 42 years have given us memories we will never forget. They are passed down from generation to generation and determine the level of demand, the winning culture that we must follow in the future. But now is the time to create the conditions so that we can continue to live even more joy,” he said.
The candidate also called for the vote as a way to put an end to “the leeches that insist on driving Porto into the deep.”
The closing ceremony of the campaign took place at the Pavilhão Rosa Mota in Porto and was attended by approximately five thousand people.
On the sidelines, André Villas-Boas also commented on the extension of the term of football coach Sergio Conceição, announced by the still president and candidate Pinto da Costa.
“I am still focused on clarifying with the coach and discussing the project. It is important to demonstrate our philosophy and ensure that the coach has this understanding. It is worth waiting for the official position of the coach, to go beyond promising phrases. A lot has been done, for example, David Carmo, I’m waiting to hear his reasons, I want to sit down and show our project, check the feasibility of the work we propose,” he emphasized.
The candidate also said he was “disappointed” with Pinto da Costa’s decision, which he considers hasty.
“I am amazed. Disappointment aside, I’m surprised that he continues to make these decisions and that he continues to find charms to support his candidacy, given that its power is unstoppable. This already gives me the feeling that this is an Act of Desperation. He does not deserve such an act of despair because we want to elevate him in everything he has achieved for Porto. This is enough because it is really too much,” he concluded.
In the elections to the governing bodies of FC Porto for the four-year period 2024–2028. There are three candidates, led by Pinto da Costa (list A), Andre Villas-Boas (B), a former coach of the football team, and Nuno Lobo. (C), businessman and professor, also included in the independent list of the Supreme Council headed by Miguel Bras da Cunha (D).
The elections will take place on Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00 at the Dragao stadium in Porto, while Pinto da Costa is serving his 15th consecutive term since 1982 and has leadership status. with the most titles and longevity in world football.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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