Sheffield Wednesday: Another taste of Portugal for the Owls

The success of Sheffield Wednesday has a certain Portuguese flavour '“ and it is not going unnoticed in southern Europe.
Carlos Carvalhal during Wednesdays pre-season camp in Portugal last yearCarlos Carvalhal during Wednesdays pre-season camp in Portugal last year
Carlos Carvalhal during Wednesdays pre-season camp in Portugal last year

The presence of Carlos Carvalhal as head coach has raised Wednesday’s profile on the Iberian Peninsula, particularly following his impressive first season in charge.

Interest in Carvalhal and his work with Wednesday saw Portuguese journalists visit the club on numerous occasions last season.

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And the Portuguese contingent of players and staff in S6 no doubt only added to the intrigue.

Such links helped secure a showpiece friendly with Primeira Liga champions Benfica on July 20 at Hillsborough.

But the relationship between Wednesday and Portugal stretches back beyond Carvalhal’s tenure.

The Owls confirmed yesterday they will return to the Algarve for a pre-season training camp for the fourth time in five years.

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Former boss Dave Jones twice took Wednesday to Portugal in pre-season.

The day following their clash with Benfica, they will fly out for six days of training in the sun.

And on Sunday, July 24 they will face CD Nacional in Albufeira. Both Marco Matias and Lucas Joao were signed from Nacional last summer.

Wednesday have confirmed their full pre-season programme, kicking off with a trip to National League North outfit Alfreton Town on July 13.

Near-neighbours Chesterfield will host the Owls on July 16 in a 1pm kick off.

And the friendly fixtures will end on Sunday July 31 at Hillsborough against League One side Port Vale.