Benfica Lisbon has terminated the employment of Roger Schmidt.
Roger Schmidt's tenure as Benfica Lisbon's coach came to an end, as stated by the Portuguese football powerhouse. The termination was effective immediately, with the news breaking after Benfica tied 1-1 against FC Moreirense in their League game on Friday evening. The upcoming Champions League match against Bayern Munich, scheduled for November 6, added to the team's poor start this season.
As explained by Benfica's president, Rui Costa, the primary objective was to establish stability, but with just four rounds under their belt and unsatisfactory results and performances, it was determined that a change was necessary. Costa praised Schmidt for securing two titles during his tenure and for promoting young talent within the team. However, he concluded that a change was essential for the club's future. Costa hinted at the arrival of a new coach soon, but due to the international break, there would be no interim coach at the helm.
Schmidt had been considered for the coaching role at FC Bayern during the summer, but ultimately, he declined after discussing the opportunity with Costa. At the conclusion of the previous season, Schmidt had faced criticism following Benfica's second-place finish in the League behind Sporting Lisbon.
During his inaugural season (2022/2023), the 57-year-old Schmidt, having previously coached Bayer Leverkusen, enjoyed an excellent debut: Benfica secured the championship and reached the Champions League quarter-finals. This season, however, Benfica has only managed to garner seven points.
After the announcement of Schmidt's departure, numerous transfers and rumours surrounding Benfica's coaching position began to circulate in the football world. Despite the rumours, Costa assured fans that a decision on the new coach would be made post-international break.
With Schmidt's exit, the focus shifted towards the transfer market and potential replacements, fueling even more speculation about transfers and rumours related to Benfica's coaching staff.
