Portugal midfielder Deco has denied there is any friction between him and manager Carlos Queiroz.
Portugal playmaker insists there is no friction
Portugal midfielder Deco has denied there is any friction between him and manager Carlos Queiroz.
The 32-year old was reportedly critical of Queiroz's tactics during the goalless draw with Ivory Coast in their opening Group G game on Tuesday, stating them to be "strange" and "not as good as they might have been".
The former Real Madrid boss has not had the most successful time in charge of the national team, after struggling to perform in qualifying for the tournament, with the result in Port Elizabeth doing nothing to enhance his reputation.
With the Brazilian born player announcing his retirement from international football following the tournament, this will be his final chance to make an impact on the world stage.
Creative playmaker Deco was brought off on the hour mark in favour of Tiago in a move that appeared to be signal an intention to close out the game rather than win it.
Deco however distanced himself from the comments, revealing on the Portuguese Football Federation's website that his opinions came "in the heat of the moment" and was not questioning the leadership of Queiroz.
