It seems like assistant managers are getting harder and harder to keep a hold of. After Jurgen Klopp's assistant Zelkjo Buvac took a mysterious sabbatical from Anfield, Jose Mourinho's right hand man Rui Faria has announced his decision to leave the Manchester club at the end of the season.
In an official statement Faria thanked Mourinho and the club for 'unforgettable experiences', but that the Portugese would like to spend more time with his family before seeking a new challenge:
My heartfelt thanks go to the manager, Jose Mourinho, for the belief he had in me, all those years ago, when it all was just a student dream. I would like to thank him for the opportunity and confidence, for the knowledge and experience, but most importantly for his friendship.
I would also like to thank Manchester United and all the clubs where I have had the privilege of working during this period. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the staff and players who, in different ways, have made an important contribution to my growth as a person and as a professional. I wish you all the best for the future, knowing that you will always be my close friends.
Mourinho has spoke warmly of his assistant's decision to seek a new pastures new:
17 years… in Leiria, Porto, London, Milan, Madrid, London again and Manchester. Training, playing, travelling, studying, laughing and also a few tears of happiness. 17 years and the kid is now a man. The intelligent student is now a football expert, ready for a successful career as a manager.
I will miss my friend and that is the hardest thing for me, but his happiness is more important and, of course, I respect his decision, especially because I know that we will always be together. Be happy, brother!
What odds would you get on a Buvac/Faria partnership to take over at Arsenal?
