Eriksson turns his back on Benfica

Swedish coach rejects Lisbon return

Benfica’s chances of landing Sven-Goran Eriksson as their head coach have taken a big blow as the Swedish tactician has had his head turned by other offers that have come in recently.

The still Manchester City boss is expected to leave the Eastlands after the Premiership club completes a post-season Asian tour as Eriksson has fallen out of favour with club owner Thaksin Shiniwatra.

It was believed the Lisbon club were in pole position to land the former England boss. The Portuguese side sent a delegation to meet with their former coach last week to try and strike a deal.


Related: Benifca fly to Manchester for Eriksson


But now the Swede’s agent, Athole Still, has made statements that have damaged Benfica’s hopes of re-acquiring their top target.

“Eriksson has received some really attractive offers in the last few days and the possibility of him returning to Benfica has faded from his mind,” confessed Still. One of those offers was thought to be the head coach position of the Mexican national team, but Still dismissed the rumour as mere speculation.

It appears that Benfica may now have to return to square one in their search for a new coach. Eriksson’s apparent snub makes it three coaches who have turned down the post with the Portuguese giants as Carlos Queiroz and Marcello Lippi have both rejected the possibility of taking the job.