Benfica bring Camacho back
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Article summary
Spanish coach José Antonio Camacho has returned to SL Benfica for a second spell in charge of the Lisbon club following the dismissal of Fernando Santos.
Article body
José Antonio Camacho has returned to SL Benfica as the club's new coach following the dismissal of Fernando Santos. The 52-year-old Spaniard has signed a two-year contract at the Estádio da Luz where he won the Portuguese Cup during his first spell there between 2002 and 2004.
'Very happy'
"I'm very happy to return to Benfica," said the former Real Madrid CF and Spain coach. "I left behind a great team when I went to Real Madrid but now I must first get to know the squad before talking about it. The players will have to adapt to a new coach and I to them but that isn't accomplished in one day or one week - we need time." Time is in short supply, however, given Benfica's looming return date with FC København in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie on 29 August.
Immediate objective
Benfica hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg and Camacho said: "The UEFA Champions League match against København is very important for the club and we will be working hard with that objective in mind." Prior to leaving for Copenhagen, Camacho will oversee his first domestic match in charge against Vitória SC on Saturday, when Benfica will aim to improve on a disappointing 1-1 draw with Leixões SC in last weekend's opening Liga fixture.
