Chéu: A Comprehensive Timeline of His Managerial Career
The transition from professional player to coach is a challenging journey, and for Chéu, this path has been defined by a diverse array of experiences across multiple European leagues and beyond. From the competitive tiers of Portugal to ventures in Italy, Slovakia, and Cyprus, Chéu has navigated the volatile nature of football management, taking on various roles to stabilize struggling clubs and lead teams through transitional periods.
Key Facts
- Diverse Geography: Managed clubs in Portugal, Italy, Slovakia, Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia.
- Portuguese Roots: Spent a significant portion of his career in the Portuguese second tier (Liga Portugal 2).
- International Experience: Coached in the Slovak Super Liga and Italian Serie C.
- Recent Appointment: Joined Al-Jabalain in the Saudi First Division League in August 2025.
Early Managerial Steps in Portugal
Chéu began his managerial journey with Académico de Viseu, where he successfully led the team to a mid-table finish during the 2013–14 season. This initial success earned him a move to Penafiel in May 2014. However, his tenure there was brief; after suffering three defeats in the first four games of the 2014–15 season, he departed by mutual consent.
By November 2014, Chéu returned to Académico de Viseu for a second stint. During this period, he guided the Viriatos (a nickname for the club) to a twelfth-place finish. His time with the club eventually came to an end in February 2016 following a series of poor results.
In October 2016, Chéu took over at Freamunde, succeeding Carlos Brito. Over the course of 22 games in the second division, he recorded seven wins and six draws. He resigned on April 1, 2017, following a 4–2 defeat against Braga B.
Challenges and International Ventures
The latter half of 2017 saw Chéu join União da Madeira as the third manager of their season. Despite his efforts to lift the club from 18th place, the team suffered relegation on the final day of the season after a narrow 3–2 loss to Cova da Piedade, with the deciding goal scored in the fourth minute of added time.
Seeking new horizons, Chéu moved to Italy in July 2018 to lead Rieti, a newly promoted club in Serie C (the third tier of Italian football). His time in Italy was short-lived, as he resigned on December 30, 2018, following a change in the club's ownership.
In January 2019, Chéu signed an 18-month contract with Senica in the Slovak Super Liga. Taking over with the club second from bottom, he successfully avoided relegation. This performance led to a move to Spartak Trnava in June, where he managed for a year and achieved a fifth-place finish before being replaced.
Return to Portugal and Global Transitions
Chéu returned to the Portuguese second tier on September 11, 2021, replacing Rui Santos at Estrela da Amadora. He remained with the club until June 1, 2022, leaving by mutual consent after the team dropped one place in the standings during his tenure.
His career then took him to the Cypriot First Division in August 2022 with Doxa Katokopias. He debuted on August 29 with a 0–0 draw against AEK Larnaca, the previous season's runners-up. He departed before the end of the year and returned to Portugal's second tier with Vilafranquense on February 9, 2023.
On May 28, 2023, Chéu announced his departure from Vilafranquense, coinciding with the club's relocation to Aves and its rebranding as AVS Futebol SAD. Shortly after, on December 11, 2023, he was appointed head coach of Oliveirense in Liga Portugal 2.
Most recently, on August 11, 2025, Chéu expanded his managerial portfolio further by being appointed as the manager of Al-Jabalain in the Saudi First Division League.
Managerial Career Summary
| Club | Country | Key Outcome/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Académico de Viseu | Portugal | Mid-table finish (1st stint); 12th place (2nd stint) |
| Penafiel | Portugal | Departed after 4 games |
| Freamunde | Portugal | 7 wins, 6 draws in 22 games |
| União da Madeira | Portugal | Relegated on final day |
| Rieti | Italy | Resigned due to ownership change |
| Senica | Slovakia | Avoided relegation |
| Spartak Trnava | Slovakia | Finished 5th |
| Estrela da Amadora | Portugal | Departed by mutual consent |
| Doxa Katokopias | Cyprus | Brief tenure in First Division |
| Vilafranquense | Portugal | Left during club rebranding to AVS Futebol SAD |
| Oliveirense | Portugal | Appointed Dec 2023 |
| Al-Jabalain | Saudi Arabia | Appointed Aug 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs did Chéu manage in Slovakia?
Chéu managed two clubs in the Slovak Super Liga: Senica, where he successfully avoided relegation, and Spartak Trnava, where he led the team to a fifth-place finish.
Why did Chéu leave Rieti in Italy?
Chéu resigned from his position as head coach of Rieti on December 30, 2018, following a change in the club's ownership.
What happened during Chéu's tenure at União da Madeira?
Chéu was the third manager of the season for the club. Despite his efforts, the team was relegated on the final day of the season after a 3–2 loss to Cova da Piedade.
What was the reason for Chéu's departure from Vilafranquense?
Chéu left Vilafranquense on May 28, 2023, because the club was relocating to Aves and rebranding as AVS Futebol SAD.
Where is Chéu managing as of August 2025?
As of August 11, 2025, Chéu is the manager of Al-Jabalain, a club in the Saudi First Division League.