Manucho has been left out of the Angola national team sqaud

Angolan striker Manucho Goncalves has apologised to coach Manuel Jose after he was left out of the national team for arriving late for training.

Jose blasted Manucho at a news conference in Luanda last week, saying the player, who has been left out of the squad for upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Congo, needed to learn respect.

"He thinks he is more important than the national team. I put him out because he arrived late to training with a stupid excuse," an incensed Jose said on Friday.

He added: "He made a mistake and I am the coach. He's not respecting the coach and the country."

Jose also said that when the young striker arrived late at a session in Portugal last month he did not give an explanation nor apologise.

But on Monday, Manucho, who plays for Spanish side Real Valladolid, issued a statement through Angolan state media, saying he was sorry.

"My late arrival to training was because of a issue with an entry visa, and it wasn't my wish," the former Manchester United and Hull City player said.

"I apologise to the teacher and to my colleagues, in particular, and to the nation in general, for all that has happened.

"I am very sad about this situation, that I am being considered undisciplined by the Angolan people."

Jose is hosting the first training camp in Luanda for the national team since he became coach last June after a lengthy.

The Palancas Negras will face Estonia on 30 December and Tunisia on 3 January in Portugal before returning to Angola ahead of the Nations Cup which kicks off on 10 January.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version