Queiroz shrugs off Deco criticism

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said Friday he had shrugged off his spat with midfielder Deco, who complained about team tactics in Tuesday’s opening World Cup goalless draw with Ivory Coast.

Queiroz, former assistant coach at Manchester United, said there had been some “verbal excesses” from the veteran Chelsea and former Porto man but that “we have put this behind us”.

“Sometimes we make mistakes, but this has not damaged the atmosphere of the team and this is all behind us,” said Queiroz.

“The most important thing is to that, despite Deco’s declarations, we have remained calm and we have total confidence in ourselves.”

He added that Deco had explained himself both to his coach and the team after complaining about being moved out to the right hand side of midfield before he was later taken off altogether.

But Queiroz insisted that the affair was forgotten and insisted that he retained the confidence of the squad while affirming his faith in Deco’s talents.

Deco said he had been frustrated at the team not winning as they now need to step up their game against North Korea on Monday and then Brazil on June 25.