Alexandre Santos: ‘I’m Not Here to Perform Magic in 48 Hours

Petro de Luanda coach Alexandre Santos has played down expectations of an immediate turnaround ahead of his side’s crucial CAF Champions League clash against Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC.

Responding to questions about the much-anticipated comeback, Santos said he would need more time to make a significant impact, stressing that his immediate task was to continue the work started by the previous technical team.

“I am not here to perform magic in 48 hours. Rather, I am here to help Petro de Luanda with the work that had already been started by the previous technical team,” Santos said.

His remarks come as the Angolan giants prepare for a difficult challenge against Scottland, who secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Scottland head into the return leg with a two-goal advantage, leaving Petro with a difficult task as they seek to overturn the deficit and keep their continental campaign alive.

Santos’ comments appear to temper expectations of an immediate comeback following his return to the club, suggesting that rebuilding momentum will require more than a short period on the training ground.

Petro must now produce a strong performance in the return leg to eliminate Scottland and advance to the next round of the competition.