Domingos Paciencia has been unveiled as Deportivo’s new Coach and has reflected on the task at hand, as well as the club’s ever-growing Portuguese contingent.
The former Porto striker was named unofficially as the team’s replacement for the sacked Jose Luis Oltra late last night, but was confirmed in being presented today to the media as having agreed a contract until the end of the season.
“I’m looking forward to trying to do what everyone wants, both for the fans and the players, and that is to pick up more points and to do better than we have so far,” the tactician, who turns 44 this week, told an assembled media.
“It is important that Depor stay in La Primera and for that there must be commitment from all, because it is hard and difficult, but I am motivated and that is why I am here.
“Coaching is difficult everywhere. For me, it is an honour to coach Depor and I will try to do a good job here. I accepted because I believe I can help Depor. I also wanted to be working, to be active.
“My contract? Now I am thinking of working hard, avoiding relegation and after June 30 we will speak.”
Domingos notably caught the eye for his work on the touchline with Braga, who he led to the 2011 Europa League Final. The Coruna Press asked what to expect of him at the Riazor.
“I like my team to play well because it is closer to winning. My teams have scored many goals and suffered little, so it makes winning more assured.
“We know that to get out of this situation we will have to win our next games, the first of which is against Malaga. I have not been with the players, but tomorrow we’ll talk about how to approach the next game. We will be focused in order to win. What changes will I make? On Saturday I will decide and you will see.”
Defence has been an issue for the team so far this term.
“A balanced team is one that knows when to defend and when to attack and we will ensure that balance. We will not concede goals, but will also want to do things to win games.”
The new Coach was also asked of possible work in the transfer market in January, as well as the fact he and several of the team’s players are Portuguese and all represented by agent Jorge Mendes.
“We’re not going to talk now about who can come and who can leave, because our focus is to work. We are seeking what is best for Depor, but now is not the time to talk about it, but to be together and make it possible to win games.
“Did Mendes sign the contract for me here? No, you are wrong. I was a football player and the last team I coached at had more than 10 different nationalities. For me it is immaterial if any of them are Portuguese.
“I do not like injustice, if I was better then I played ahead of someone else. For me, nationality does not matter.”
President Augusto Cesar Lendoiro sat alongside Domingos and also offered comment.
“He will be here until at least the end of the season. We tried to sign him when he was a player at Porto, but Tenerife were ahead of us, so finally we have met with the ambition of having him here.
“We intend to move out of our complicated situation. We are enduring a difficult moment, but we are going to be safe at the end of the season. Let’s move forward and there is nothing better than to do so with your support.”
