Costinha targets trophy with Pacos Ferreira

The former Portugal international believes he can surpass the achievements of predecessor Paulo Fonseca and lead the club to a first major title

New Pacos Ferreira boss Costinha is adamant that he can win a trophy in his first season at the helm.

The former Portugal international is well aware that he has a big job on his hands surprassing the achievements of his predecessor, who led the club to a third-placed finish in the Primeira Division last season, earning a place in the Champions League playoffs for the first time in their history.

However, Costinha is in a bullish frame of mind, arguing that he is capable of going one better in the coming campaign by leading Pacos to a first major title.

"I know the stakes are high but I can't wait to start," he is quoted a saying by Uefa.com. "I believe we can surpass expectations once more.

"I want to continue and build on the good work of last season. I want to win a trophy, it is possible."

Costinha, who represented Atletico Madrid, Porto and Monaco during a peripatetic career, was capped 53 times by the Seleccao.

Pacos face Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg in their Champions League playoff clash, with the first leg taking place in Portugal on August 20.