Santos shown door at Benfica
Monday, August 20, 2007
Article summary
SL Benfica have dismissed coach Fernando Santos before their third qualifying round return following the Lisbon club's 1-1 weekend draw with Leixões SC.
Article body
SL Benfica have dismissed coach Fernando Santos following the club's 1-1 draw with Portuguese Liga newcomers Leixões SC at the weekend.
Draw not enough
The Lisbon giants, who finished third in the league in 2006/07, were held by Leixões in the season-opening game where both goals were scored in added time. It has proved to be 52-year-old Santos' last game in charge, ending a spell at the club that began at the start of the 2005/06 campaign following the resignation of Ronald Koeman.
Club statement
Benfica confirmed the exit of Santos and his assistant Jorge Rosário in a statement on the club's official website, adding: "Benfica wishes to thank the professionalism, commitment and loyalty demonstrated by Fernando Santos and Jorge Rosário during the last 13 months."
Camacho linked
Fernando Chalana is set to take temporary charge at the UEFA Champions League hopefuls until a permanent successor is named, with former Real Madrid CF and Spanish national coach José Antonio Camacho linked with a return to the Portuguese capital. Benfica go into the second leg of their third qualifying round tie against FC København next week with a 2-1 advantage from the first match in Portugal.
