"I do exactly the same thing as the players. When there are international matches, there aren't any club matches. The international break forces the clubs to stop their league programme. So, three days before the games, I head off to coach the national team, I do my match and then return to the club, just like a player. I only lose five working days, five days of training."

You were assistant coach to Jose Mourinho at Uniao Leiria. What did you learn from him?

"I learned a lot. I've known maybe 18 or 20 coaches in my career. Mourinho helped to transform football in Portugal during his time there. He brought a lot in terms of the organisation, the dynamics, the planning of training sessions and the analysing opponents."

Do you consider yourself the new José Mourinho?

"I am Paulo Duarte. I learned a lot with Mourinho, that's true, but I didn't want to spend my life next to Mourinho. He is the best in the world, he is ten times better than me, but I wanted to take my own journey. I want to have a career defined by my work and my humility. I am a demanding coach, very demanding… I put a lot of emphasis on discipline. And I try to see the game through the eyes of the players."

Are you worried about the poor start Le Mans have made?

"I am worried by our lack of points, I worry about my president, who is a fantastic person. I'm worried because my players form a quality group, a group of friends. I am also worried because I have noticed that the group lacks a bit of serenity. There is a shortage of confidence."

What does the future hold for Le Mans?

"I hope the future will be better. Usually Le Mans start the season well then finish poorly. Hopefully it will be the opposite this time around. We'll make a slow start then finish well."

Ligue de Football Professionnel