Ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal tells of knife attack by masked men in Portugal

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal said his son is his hero after saving him from a knife attack by masked men outside his home in Portugal.
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The Portuguese, 54, who led the Owls to the Championship Play-off Final in 2016 and is now in charge of his hometown club Braga, was attacked by three men as he stepped out of his car after returning home from a match in July.

Carvalhal reportedly ‘wrestled’ two of his attackers to the ground and cut his arms and legs as he scrambled on the gravel pathway. But, when he saw a third attacker approach him brandishing a knife, he shouted for help. His son José Carlos, 23, came to his aid and threw stones at the hooded men, who fled.

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Carvalhal told The Daily Mail: “His intervention was crucial. He surprised them and they ran when he threw the stones. I was fighting very well with the two guys, they weren't causing me too many problems but when I saw the third had a knife... I had screamed out for help and José came. Luckily, we managed to get inside the house and the police arrived within minutes.”

Carlos Carvalhal led Sheffield Wednesday to the club's highest league finish in 17 seasons when they finished fourth in 2016/17.Carlos Carvalhal led Sheffield Wednesday to the club's highest league finish in 17 seasons when they finished fourth in 2016/17.
Carlos Carvalhal led Sheffield Wednesday to the club's highest league finish in 17 seasons when they finished fourth in 2016/17.

He escaped with “cuts and bruises but nothing serious”. Security has since been tightened at the family home, with new locks, video cameras and a panic button installed.

Carvalhal, who still looks out for Sheffield Wednesday’s results, added: "José was my hero. We were close before but, going through that together, it has created a special bond.”