Eriksson linked with Benfica
08 May 2008 - 07:17:00
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has reportedly held talks with Benfica over a possible return to the Portuguese club.
The Swede, who is expected to be released by City owner Thaksin Shinawatra at the end of the season, has coached Benfica on two previous occasions.
Eriksson won two league titles and a domestic cup before returning in 1989 and leading Benfica to another Portuguese championship and a European Cup Final appearance.
Benfica spokesman Ricardo Maia said: "We will not comment on any suggestions of a future coach now.
"Whether someone is or is not in Manchester to try to persuade Eriksson, we have nothing to say about it."
Meanwhile, Shinawatra now appears to have softened his stance on the future of the former England manager.
Last month he suggested a major summer shake-up was on the cards at Eastlands despite appointing Eriksson less than 12 months ago,
Luiz Felipe Scolari is believed to be the frontrunner to take over, but the Portugal coach has and his representatives have suggested no decision on his future will be taken until after this summer's European Championship.
"We have made no decision," said Shinawatra on the future of Eriksson or a potential replacement.
"We will do an evaluation at the end of the season."