Conceição cuts ties with ex-assistant Bruno after Porto snub

Sergio Conceição has refused to speak to Vítor Bruno since learning his former assistant pursued his FC Porto succession behind his back.

The pair worked together for nearly 500 matches over 15 years, spanning clubs from Olhanense to FC Porto. Their partnership began in 2010-11 at Olhanense, where Bruno served as Conceição’s assistant under the latter’s first head-coaching role.

Bruno followed Conceição through successive roles at Académica de Coimbra, SC Braga, Vitória de Guimarães, FC Nantes, and FC Porto. During that period, Bruno made 56 appearances and scored 12 goals as a player under Conceição’s management.

Their collaboration ended after the 2023-24 season when Conceição was not renewed at FC Porto. At a farewell dinner, Bruno expressed interest in becoming a head coach without naming FC Porto.

Conceição later discovered Bruno had lobbied the Porto board for his job before being appointed head coach himself days later.

"I haven’t spoken to him since and have no intention of doing so," Conceição said, confirming the rift as Porto supporters called for his return.

Bruno, now head coach of Sporting d’Anderlecht, has made clear his ambitions in his first remarks at the Belgian club.

The Sporting d’Anderlecht appointment marks Bruno’s first and only head-coaching role before joining the Belgian side.

Conceição’s silence contrasts with Bruno’s public stance, as the former Porto manager faces fan pressure to return.