Portuguese Tactician Pen Deal Following Finalist Race with Wilfried Nancy
Strasbourg president Marc Keller and sporting director David Weir finalized the deal after traveling to Portugal to secure the 47-year-old manager. The French club paid a release fee exceeding 2 million euros to pry him away from Famalicao. Oliveira, who speaks fluent French, was chosen ahead of final contenders Vasco Botelho da Costa and Wilfried Nancy to lead the squad.
The Portuguese coach built his reputation as a top assistant under Marco Silva at Premier League clubs Hull City, Watford, Everton, and Fulham, while previously coaching elite goalkeepers Jan Oblak and Ederson at Benfica. His impressive technical background caught the eye of Strasbourg ownership group BlueCo, who monitored his progress before launching an official approach this summer.
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During his stint with Famalicao, Oliveira implemented a fluid 4-2-3-1 tactical setup that prioritized wide attacks and a high press, leading the club to a historic fifth-place finish. "Football must be entertaining, notably to please our fans. I prefer to live rather than survive," Oliveira shared, emphasizing an attacking philosophy centered on collective team environment.
This proactive tactical setup closely mirrors the football philosophy of former manager Liam Rosenior, who guided the club into the UEFA Conference League spots. The Strasbourg hierarchy hopes that Oliveira can maintain this aggressive style of play to push the team further up the Ligue 1 standings in the upcoming campaign.