Under-fire Braga boss given white handkerchiefs treatment

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | By Conor Spence | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 3:33 AM ET

Under-fire Braga manager Carlos Vicens has made it clear he has no intention of stepping down before this week’s crucial Europa League clash with Celtic, even as frustrated supporters displayed white handkerchiefs in protest on Sunday.

Celtic host the Portuguese outfit at Celtic Park in their second group stage fixture on Thursday, following a 1-1 stalemate away to Red Star Belgrade last week.

While Braga opened their European campaign positively with a 1-0 victory against Feyenoord, their league struggles continued as a weekend 1-0 defeat to Nacional extended their winless run in domestic competition to five matches.

When the match ended, the Braga supporters expressed their frustration by waving white handkerchiefs towards their Spanish coach following yet another defeat. That usually means the end for a manager when that happens in southern Europe.

However, Vicens has vowed to make changes and is confident his side will show improvements during their trip to Glasgow. Speaking via Glasgow Times, he said: “I am very disappointed because we didn’t show the passion and commitment we displayed against Feyenoord in the Europa League.”

“We have to continue working to improve starting immediately, including myself, so you will see a different version of Braga in Scotland. If I have to make changes to freshen up the team, I will.”

Vicens added: “We can’t just be raising our games for big matches – it has to be the same level in every match. I am certain I can get the players to improve.”

“It’s true that we’ve gone five games without a win in the league, but the season doesn’t stop and there are games every three days. I still have the strength and energy for the job and I know I can change the mentality here.”

This is also a must-win for Celtic. It has been disappointment after disappointment so far this season for Brendan Rodgers’ side, but three points on Thursday will hopefully kickstart a successful European campaign.

Four points after two games would be a positive start and set Celtic up nicely for a decent run in a competition we should really have aspirations to succeed in given our Champions League performances last season. It’s time Brendan Rodgers got the team playing to the best of their potential and winning some big matches.

The goalless draw against Hibs on Saturday saw Celtic drop to second in the Scottish Premiership, falling two points behind Hearts. Time to wake up Bhoys!

Conor Spence