20 August 2007, by Joao Pedro

Benfica axe Fernando Santos

Poor start spells end for Eagles boss; Camacho lined up

Benfica have dismissed coach Fernando Santos after the team’s poor start to the new campaign. Benfica narrowly beat FC Copenhagen in their Champions League 1st leg tie on Tuesday and were held to a 1-1 draw at Leixoes on Saturday.

More than the results, the listless performances and at times chaotic organisation led to widespread criticism of the team. Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira made the decision on Sunday night and is reported to be already negotiating with Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho to take command of the Eagles for a second time.

Inglorious reign

Fernando Santos was at the helm of Benfica for 49 matches, of which he won 29 drew eleven and lost nine.

The former Porto and Sporting coach guided Benfica to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup where they were knocked out by eventual finalists, Espanyol, in a closely fought tie.

While in Europe Benfica did not completely fail, a third-place finish in the Bwin Liga and an embarrassing Portuguese Cup exit at the hands of lower league club Varzim were bitter disappointments for the fans.

The poor performances so far this season, above all the somewhat fortuitous narrow win against FC Copenhagen that puts at risk Benfica’s involvement in this years Champions League, proved the last straw for club president Vieira.

The outgoing coach can point with some justification to an unhelpful set of circumstances during pre-season. Talismanic club captain Simao left unexpectedly, one week after Santos had said it would be a nightmare to lose the Portugal international.

Then on the eve of Benfica’s vital Champions League clash against the Danes, midfielder Manuel Fernandes also sprang a surprise by announcing his return to England.