Sven given seal of approval

Eriksson backed to take over at Benfica

Last updated: 10th May 2008

Sven given seal of approval

Eriksson: Supported by Chalana

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Benfica caretaker coach Fernando Chalana would be happy to have Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson succeed him at the club.

Eriksson has been linked with a return to the Portuguese giants after a delegation from Benfica - including president Luis Felipe Vieira and captain Rui Costa - were filmed by Portuguese broadcaster SIC in a hotel in Manchester where the former England boss was reportedly present.

Chalana, who took charge at Benfica following the departure of Jose Antonio Camacho in March, is expected to stand down at the end of the season to make way for a new coach.

And the former Benfica player claims he would be delighted if it was Eriksson who stepped in as his replacement.

Backing

"I'd be happy if Eriksson came," Chalana told O Jogo.

"The directors make the decisions. I'm here to serve Benfica. But if Eriksson comes, I think that he is a competent man, who has won titles, a good professional.

"He knows Portuguese football well and if he comes I'll be happy."

Chalana served as a player during both of Eriksson's former spells in charge of Benfica, between 1982 and 1984, and 1989 and 1992.