Portugal coach Queiroz rules out quitting

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz said he would not quit the post despite returning empty-handed from the World Cup and amid signs that all was not well between him and star players such as captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 57-year-old Mozambique-born coach – who was, along with Ronaldo, the focus of criticism for Portugal’s last 16 1-0 defeat by European champions Spain – said that there was no dishonour in their failing to win the trophy for the first time.

“It is totally out of the question (resigning),” said Queiroz, formerly assistant coach to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

“If the national coach must resign for having lost 1-0 against Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup then there is something that is not right.

“Spain is one of the big favourites. We haven’t succeeded in winning. That will be for the next one,” added Queiroz, who is in his second spell in charge of the national side having been at the helm from 1991-93.

Queiroz, who is credited for unearthing the ‘golden generation’ of Portuguese players such as Luis Figo and Rui Costa who ended up reaching the Euro 2004 final, said that he would be looking towards qualifying for the 2012 European Championships.

“Continuity is assured,” said Queiroz, who has also coached South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Real Madrid among others.

“For the moment we are going to rest and then do better in the next challenge … and try and win over two or three discontented supporters.”

Queiroz’ side only conceded one goal but similarly only scored in one of their four matches – the 7-0 hammering of North Korea.

The coach was criticised for being unimaginative and unambitious especially when he replaced lone striker Hugo Almeida before the hour mark against Spain with the match still locked at 0-0.

On Wednesday, the day after their exit he turned on Ronaldo for admitting that he had felt like a broken man and disconsolate after the Spanish defeat, while also the Real Madrid star had to deny he had laid the blame for the loss at the coach’s door.

“We are not unaware of those remarks, but we are not here to be friends with the players,” said Queiroz, who got to know Ronaldo well during his time at Manchester United.

“One must never allow anyone placing himself above the best interests of the national side.

“Portugal needs Ronaldo, and Ronaldo needs the national side. But if this shirt (the Portuguese strip) unnerves some players, they have no grounds to be there.”

Queiroz had his authority challenged during the tournament with veteran midfielder Deco in particular voicing openly his displeasure at the tactics deployed by the coach in the opening 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast.

Deco laid bare the tensions in the dressing room after the defeat by Spain when asked if there was a good atmosphere.

“Between the players, yes,” said the Brazil-born veteran.