Benfica have announced the departure of Jorge Jesus after both parties agreed to mutually rescind the remaining time of Jesus' contract earlier today. Benfica informed the Portuguese securities market commission (CMVM) of the move and it was also announced that current Benfica B manager Nelson Verissimo will be taking over as manager for the remainder of the season.
The writing has been on the wall for Jesus for the past month and the final straw seemed to happen yesterday when he told Pizzi to leave training after he was unhappy with the Benfica midfielder's comments after the clubs Taca de Portugal loss to FC Porto. The clubs players took exception to Jesus' request and refused to continue training with him. Benfica President Rui Costa got involved to restore order to the training session but realized that Jesus had lost the dressing room.
Jesus' return to Benfica did not produce the expected effects after the club spent a record haul last summer bringing in players only to see the club finish in third position in the league which is where the currently sit this season. Jesus won three league titles in his first go around with Benfica but leaves the club trophy less in his second stiny. Jesus is expected to return to Brazil where he managed Flamengo.
Benfica will continue to pay Jorge Jesus until his contract runs out at the end of the season or until he signs a contract with another club which ever comes first.
