Moreira, who just turned 57 years old on July 30, will take over the team for the remainder of the 2014 Yamaha League-1 season following the resignation of Supachai Srilachai on Sunday night (August 3). Supachai is expected to remain with the team for the rest of the season as an assistant coach. The team started the season with fellow Brazilian Stefano "Teco" Cugurra Rodrigues as head coach before he resigned on June 22.
The Phuket News learned that team officials formally introduced Moreira to the players during a closed-door meeting Monday afternoon (August 4).
“Thank you to club management for the opportunity to have this position. I am familiar with Phuket FC's style, technique and teamwork. As a coach, I understand the team's strong points, and know how to improve the weak points of Phuket FC. And I will do my best,” Moreira said in a statement.
Phuket FC defender Tales Dos Santos said he is excited at the prospect of Moreira joining the team, hoping that his leadership will pull the squad from their current five-game winless streak.
“I think we can be strong again. [The team] must be good together now. Everybody is on the same page and we get new motivation since we have new coach,” he said.
“We will show new football for Phuket. So we're getting better.”
The Sao Paulo-native has a 45-year history in the game and has coached several champion players and teams in Brazil, as well as Thailand over the past decade, including Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket FC, Bangkok FC, and most recently led Phitsanulok FC earlier this season.
Moreira's first two matches will take place in front of home fans this week at Surakul Stadium.
The Brazilian will first lead Phuket FC against Spanish La Liga club UD Almeria this Wednesday (August 6) at Phuket Town. Kick-off set for 7pm. This will be the first time a top-flight European club faces off against the island's 11-a-side professional team.
This Saturday (August 9) will mark Moreira's first Yamaha League-1 match as Phuket FC take on Chiang Mai FC at Surakul Stadium, 6:30pm kick-off.
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