Benfica announce the departure of Jorge Jesus

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.  

Rui Costa checks in on Andre Pirlo

Benfica President Rui Costa has reached out to former Juventus manager Andre Pirlo who is currently without club, to check on his availability according to reports from Italian website Calciomercato. Costa did not make any formal offer to Pirlo but looks to be preparing for life after Jorge Jesus the clubs current manager who has been heavily linked with a move back to Brazilian club Flamengo.

The same site also has managers Paulo Fonseca and Nuno Espirito Santo linked with the Benfica job. Benfica face arch rivals FC Porto on Thursday in a league game and another loss would prove costly in their quest to regain the league title and it should also mark the end of Jorge Jesus' tenure with the club, which has to yield anything of significance to the club in the form of hardware.

Benfica's 12 days of Christmas

With the holiday season upon us, we spend plenty of time with loved ones, sharing food and drink while we are flooded with classic Christmas specials and Holiday songs, I take a crack at an old time classic with the 12 days of Christmas for Benfica fans this season. Don't forget to sing along as here we go....

On the first day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

A new manger on the sidelines

On the second day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Two younger center backs
and a new manger on the sidelines

On the third day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the fourth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the fifth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the sixth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the seventh day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the eighth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the ninth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the tenth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Ten player nutmegs
Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Eleven straight wins
Ten player nutmegs
Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Benfica gave to me...

Twelve personalized photos
Eleven straight wins
Ten player nutmegs
Nine quick passes
Eight headed balls
Seven fans a singing
Six sliding tackles
FIVE goals against Sporting
Four signed jerseys
Three pairs of cleats
Two younger center backs
and a new manager on the sidelines,
and A NEW manager on the SIDELINES...