Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has dismissed a reported spat with midfielder Deco.
Portugal boss puts row behind him
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has dismissed a reported spat with midfielder Deco and would rather prepare for their upcoming game against North Korea on Monday.
The former Real Madrid boss was reported to have been criticised by members of his squad following their 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast on Tuesday in the Group G opener, when Queiroz appeared to take negative tactics with his team rather than push for a victory.
Deco explained his comments in an official statement to the Portuguese football federation's
website following the game, stating that his quote had come "in the heat of the moment."
Verbal excesses
The 32-year-old was thought to have complained about being moved by Queiroz to the right side of midfield and was taken off altogether in favour of Tiago on the hour mark.
However, the 57-year-old coach insisted that the spat was forgotten and that he was more than willing to keep the faith with the Chelsea playmaker's ability, claiming that despite some "verbal excesses" they had moved on.
"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."
