Newcastle United are on the lookout for a new manager this summer, and according to Sky Sports, FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao is keen. Could he be the perfect replacement for Rafa Benitez?
The Magpies supporters were incensed by the emerging confirmation that the Spaniard would walk away at the end of his contract ahead of next season.
Once again, owner Mike Ashley has left the Newcastle faithful with plenty to be angry about, and following the departure of the much-loved Benitez, the next managerial appointment will need to be perfect.
So, with Porto manager Conceicao reportedly keen, could he be a good replacement for the former Chelsea and Liverpool manager?
The 44-year-old has been in charge of the Liga NOS giants for two seasons now following his success in France with Ligue 1 outfit FC Nantes.
In the 2017/18 campaign, Conceicao led Porto to the Portuguese top-flight title deploying an intriguing tactical system, with a favoured approach of 4-4-2 with two sitting midfielders and orthodox strikers.
The young tactician is regarded as one of Europe’s finest, up and coming managers, and following some astute displays in the Champions League with his side, he has received plenty of acclaim for his methods.
It does, in truth, come as somewhat surprising to see reports indicating that he would be keen on moving away from his homeland and the allure of European football to take charge of Newcastle.
However, given the size and prestige of the club, even in spite of their ongoing ownership troubles, Conceicao appears to have identified an opportunity to make a name for himself in the Premier League.
Few more exciting managers are likely to present themselves to the Magpies this summer. Emotional attachment to Benitez will always prevail, and the incoming boss will have some living up to do.
But Conceicao could be a good fit, and following his work on a shoestring budget at Nantes, may be able to extract the very most from this Newcastle squad should he arrive at St James’ Park.
