Chaos at the Caldeirão....
What seemed like the straight forward transfer of Leo Lima to Porto has actually turned into a major saga. With the Chairman José Carlos Rodrigues Pereira and the new manager currently at loggerheads over the aquisition of two new loan players, Cesar Peixoto and Raul Meireles in return as part of the deal with Porto.
Leo pictured here in his inaugural Porto press conference
Raul Meireles
Cesar Peixoto
"It would appear that the President has basically gone behind my back with his Porto counterpart and arranged this "favour" as part of the Leo Lima deal. Unfortunately it leaves me in a bit of a sticky situation to say the least, with Raymon van Emmerik, Dejan Ognjanovic and Ricardo Esteves all fully expecting to don the famous red and green striped shirt within the next few weeks. The bottom line is that the club don't have the budget for 5 new recruits, hence the decision taken whilst I was discussing my contract and my 'dossier' that 3 new faces were sufficient."
Although midfielders Peixoto and Meireles are loan deals, Maritimo will be paying the player's wages and there is the possibility of a permanent transfer in the future.
Mr Simao continued, "Initially therefore, I am considering asking Raymon and Dejan's respective clubs, NAC Breda and Estoril, to postpone the moves until the mid season transfer window, when we can review our finances. I appreciate this is both unusual and unorthodox, but I don't really see another option open to me, as my hands have effectively been tied. What frustrates me most, is that more reinforcements in the midfield are unecessary, when there are other areas notably in defence that should take priority.
I wish to reiterate to both that they are still highly regarded and are considered part of my future plans for the team,I have spoken to the President and have told him in no uncertain terms that I won't tolerate this sort of thing going on without my knowledge."
Sport TV caught up with Ogjanovic who gave his reaction to waiting reporters...
"This is a very big shame for me because, I wanted the opportunity to show the people of Madeira what I can do. I will just keep my head down and carry on doing my best for Estoril, and trust that in time my hard work will pay off."
In the Netherlands, Voetbal International quoted Van Emmerik as saying, "I'm truely gutted, but what can I do ?, I had already started to look for property on the island, now I'm stick in limbo."
To add a further twist, it is reported in Mais Futebol, that Peixoto is in fact not happy with the move, feeling it will hamper his career prospects to take a step down from the Iberian first division.
http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/noticia.php?id=490274&div_id=1304
This story looks set to run and run...........
Meanwhile, Peruvian Abel Lobaton has given his first press conference, this time thankfully the deal was concluded before the arrival of the English coach.