Camacho quits Benfica

Spaniard walks out after draw against rock-bottom Leiria

Jose Antonio Camacho has resigned as manager of Benfica.

Minutes ago, little over an hour after Benfica had drawn 2-2 against bottom club Leiria at the Estadio da Luz, the Spaniard announced his decision to leave his post as head coach as of immediate effect.

Camacho cited a lack of motivation among his squad as the main reason behind his decision, admitting that a record of seven draws and one defeat at home was not acceptable.

“I sincerely do not think things will improve with me in charge,” said the straight-talking former Real Madrid great.

“Benfica need something fresh to get a reaction from the players, which will have to come from another coach who has other ideas and other methods of training.”

Both Camacho and Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira, who sat beside the outgoing coach at the hastily arranged press conference, said their mutual friendship and admiration for each other’s work would remain intact.

Benfica will now almost certainly play the second leg of their Uefa Cup last-16 tie against Getafe on Wednesday with an interim coach. The Madrid team lead 2-1 after the first leg played in Lisbon last week.