Pereira feels safe at Porto

Porto coach Vitor Pereira has dismissed claims that his job with the Europa League holders is under threat.

Porto are joint leaders with Benfica in Liga Sagres, but they are dangerously close to missing out on a place in the Champions League knockout stages after picking up just four points from their first four group games.

Certain sections of Porto’s fan base have questioned Pereira’s leadership, given that the club have only lost one player from last season’s treble-winning squad led by Andre-Villas Boas.

The players received whistles upon their return to Porto following the 2-1 Champions League loss at APOEL, but Pereira says he has the backing of the club.

“I definitely do not feel my place is under threat,” he told reporters. “I feel the players are united, they want their performances to match their quality.”

“The group want to give a good answer to the demands of a different competition from last year.”

“The club’s structure gives me total trust. I have come here because my competence and my work were acknowledged. I do not feel damaged by what is said on the outside.”

Porto travel to seventh-placed Olhanense for this weekend’s league match.