After just two professional games this season, Freddy Adu's Benfica coach Fernando Santos has been sacked. Apparently, a dressing room bust-up with club President Luis Felipe Vieira coupled with a disappointing 1-1 draw with promoted side Leixoes led to the prompt dismissal of both Santos and his assistant Jorge Rosário. Former Spain and Real Madrid coach José António Camacho, who also coached Benfica from 2002-2004, is now the frontrunner to take the job; reports say he could be presented to the public as early as tomorrow. Meanwhile, Fernando Chalana was named interim coach until a replacement is announced.
It will be interesting to see how Santos' sacking affects young American midfielder Adu, who little more than three weeks ago signed with Benfica. Since then, Santos and Benfica have been very much in the European press, as the continent's biggest clubs will no doubt be interested in seeing how the young American fares in Portugal. Adu made his debut against FC Copenhagen in a 2-1 Champions League qualifying first-leg victory last week. Santos left him out of this weekend's match against Leixões, explaining that the 18-year-old had only just arrived at the club and needed rest.
Benfica and Portugal veteran Manuel Rui Costa has also been mentioned as a possible replacement for Santos, but Goal.com said he would most likely take over as club sporting director sometime next year.
No comments yet.
