Estoril Praia confirmed on Monday the appointment of Sérgio Raimundo as the U‑23 coach, with a contract running until 2027. The 41‑year‑old manager arrives after stints in the Premier League, where he was part of Ante Postecoglou's staff at Tottenham Hotspur and worked at Nottingham Forest.

Who is Sérgio Raimundo?

Raimundo boasts an international résumé that includes Hibernian (Scotland), Central Coast Mariners (Australia), Benfica and AD Oeiras, plus experiences in Brazil, Austria and Senegal. In the 2024/25 season he helped Tottenham win the Europa League, a feat that highlights his ability to operate under high pressure. His recent spell at Nottingham Forest deepened his knowledge of youth development in top‑level leagues.

Why does the appointment matter for Estoril Praia?

The club sees the hire as a strategic step to improve the pipeline of young players to the senior squad. “The goal will always be to improve the players to place them in the first team,” Raimundo said in his first statements. The “family” philosophy he describes matches Estoril’s culture, where cohesion between players and staff is viewed as essential for consistent results.

What are the targets for the season?

Raimundo set two priorities: individual development and collective success. He wants as many U‑23 players as possible to earn minutes with the senior side, while the U‑23 team approaches every match with a winning mindset. “When we win a title, the bond that remains among the groups that win is huge,” the coach noted, indicating he aims for trophies that will mark the club’s history.

How does this fit the current Estoril Praia landscape?

At present Estoril Praia sit 10th in the Primeira Liga with 39 points (10 wins, 9 draws, 15 losses) and a goal tally of 54 scored and 57 conceded, sitting 49 points behind leaders FC Porto. Strengthening the youth sector could be key to improving those figures, adding depth to the senior squad and potentially reversing the recent LDDLL form.

What to expect in the coming months?

Raimundo has already begun working with the squad, introducing sessions focused on technique, decision‑making and a winning mentality. Fans can look forward to a greater presence of home‑grown talent in first‑team training, as well as a more competitive U‑23 side in national tournaments. The club promises to monitor progress closely and share early results with supporters.