Friday, March 11, 2022

Potential Benfica managers for next season

Benfica Blog
Benfica trot through the remainder of a poor season with intern manager Nelson Verissimo at the helm, a man who has clearly shown to be out of his depth managing a club of Benfica's stature. Verissimo can not take all the blame for the poor performances of the club as he should never have been handed the role for such an extended period of time by club President Rui Costa.

Benfica are currently sitting behind first place FC Porto by nine points but this margin could grow to twelve by the time the weekends set of games are over and with only eight league games remaining, Benfica would be lucky to even finish in the Top 2 this season. Benfica's only hope for some sort of glory is if they are able to manage a deep run in the Champions League but with a second leg winner take all game coming up in Amsterdam this week, even the most optimistic fan would find it difficult to not expect another disappointment.

Taking a look at next season, the club will have numerous options at their disposal to take over the managerial post and with Rui Costa's preference of having a Portuguese manager at the club, I'll take a look at who may just be the clubs new manager for the 2022/23 season.

Pedro Martins

Currently managing Olympiacos, he has spent the past four seasons with the Greek giants capturing the past two league titles and is in a comfortable spot to make it three in a row this season. Martins has also won a Greek Cup and has experience managing in Portugal having spent time at Guimaraes, Rio Ave and Martimo.

Odds to manage Benfica: 25 to 1

Ricardo Soares

Currently managing Gil Vicente in Portugal, Soares has been on a fantastic run during the season and currently has the Barcelos club on a ten game unbeaten run, while suffering only once loss in his past sixteen league games. Gil Vicente currently sits fifth in Portugal which has us wondering what can the 47 year old do with a more talented squad.

Odds to manage Benfica: 20 to 1

Marco Silva

Currently managing Fulham in England's second division, Silva's London side currently sit in top spot and it would be a surprise if they did not earn promotion to the Premier League next season. Silva has spent the last five seasons in England managing Hull City, Watford and Everton and last managed in Portugal during the 2014/15 season with Sporting. 

Odds to manage Benfica: 15 to 1

Leonardo Jardim

The only free agent manager in the group after parting ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal last month, Jardim has one of the better resumes that includes leading French club Monaco to the Ligue One title back in 2016/17, he also captured the Greek League title with Olympiacos in 2012/13 and recently lead Al-Hilal to the Asian Champions League title just last season. Jardim's last managing gig in Portugal was with Sporting in 2013/14.

Odds to manage Benfica: 10 to 1

Abel Ferreira

Currently managing Palmeiras in Brazil, Ferreira has won the past two Copa Libertadores the equivalent of the Champions League in South America and captured the Brazil League title in 2019/20. Ferreira looks to be the leading candidate to take over at Benfica next season, he last managed Braga in Portugal in 2019 over the span of two seasons.

Odds to manage Benfica: 5 to 1

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