Lisbon, Dec 10 (IANS) FC Porto coach Julen Lopetegui is facing harsh criticism after the Portuguese football club’s defeat against Chelsea on Wednesday that resulted in their elimination from the European Champions League group stage.
A group of the Porto fans waited for the squad at the airport after the defeat, when they targeted their criticism mainly against the coach. Media outlets believe that Lopetegui bears great responsibility for the failure, reports Efe.
Correio da Manha newspaper headlined “Lopetegui wastes millions” referring to the importance of having Portuguese clubs in the Champions League to acquire funds to support their budgets.
The Spanish coach was mainly criticised for the starting line-up against Chelsea, when he started with no striker, while he had three players in the defensive position.
Record newspaper reported that the defeat “costs millions”.
Porto are currently in the second place in the Portuguese league with 30 points, just two points behind leaders Sporting Lisbon; while the Dragons will compete at the Europa League after finishing third in the Champions League group.
