Benfica fans hope for a surprise in Amsterdam

Benfica take the hope of their fans with them to Amsterdam to take on Ajax in their second leg of their Champions League encounter after fighting to a 2-2 draw in Lisbon in the first leg. Benfica and Ajax are set to face off on Tuesday at the Johan Cruijff Arena in a winner take all match up. Benfica need just a victory to advance and do not need to worry about the away goals suffered at home with UEFA abolishing the rule this season. A Benfica victory would see the club earn an additional €10.6M by moving on to the quarter-final round. Benfica have had a disappointing season, currently sitting in third spot in their domestic league and an advancement past Ajax would give their fans some joy which has been missing for the majority of the year.

Potential Benfica managers for next season

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

Benfica linked to Famalicao left back

Benfica are once again being linked to Famalicao left back Adrian Marin according to reports coming out of Spain. The 25 year old is spending the season at Famalicao on loan from Spanish side Granada and the loan does include an option to buy at season end. Marin is being discussed as a potential replacement at left back for Alex Grimaldo who should see his time at Benfica end this summer in the form of a sale with the current Benfica left back linked to a host of clubs. Marin has appeared in 24 games across all competitions for Famalicao this season, scoring twice while also setting up two goals.