Benfica want Eriksson back

Swede could be offered third spell at Portuguese giants

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 30th April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benfica want Eriksson back

Eriksson: Wanted by Benfica

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Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson is wanted by former club Benfica, according to reports in Portugal.

Eriksson appears likely to leave City at the end of the season after just 12 months in charge of the Premier League club.

The Swede's long-time assistant Tord Grip admitted on Tuesday that an exit was on the cards, although Eriksson is keen to focus on City's closing two games of the campaign.

The situation has prompted reports in Portugal to claim that Eriksson is the man Benfica want to replace Jose Antonio Camacho, who left as coach earlier this year.

Carlos Queiroz had previously been Benfica's top target, but the Portuguese giants appear resigned to being unable to prise him from his role as Manchester United's assistant manager.

Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira now has a two-man short list for the post, with former Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni also under consideration.

However, Eriksson is understood to be Vieira's preferred choice following two previously successful spells at the club.

Eriksson won three League titles and took Benfica to both the European Cup and Uefa Cup finals during his previous stints, which were between 1982-1984, and 1989-1992.

Though Benfica are reported to be keen to bring back Eriksson, no official comment is expected until the end of the season.