Sheffield Wednesday: Frederico Venancio has nothing to prove as Carlos Carvalhal returns to Owls

After guiding the club to two unsuccessful Championship play-off finals the Portuguese left Hillsborough by mutual consent on Christmas Eve - only to reappear as Paul Clement’s replacement four days later.

Despite signing his fellow countryman in the summer, Carvalhal did not play Vernancio until what turned out to be his final game, the 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough.

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Since then, under new boss Jos Luhukay, the centre-back has featured 10 times, but he does not bear Carvalhal any grudges.

“He was the one who brought me here and I am thankful for that,” he said.

“I understand I didn’t play because I needed some months to adapt to a different culture. I am not upset because of that.

“In the end my first game in the first team was (still) with him in charge.

“I am not negative against him, it is more the opposite - I am really positive.”

The Swansea manager claims he is returning to his “forever home” and is likely to get a warm welcome from fans, but Vernancio insists it is a case of business as usual for the players.

“It is not going to be special because Carlos is coming back to Hillsborough,” said the on-loan Vitoria Setubal defender.

“We will react normally and be there 100 per cent to win the game.”

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