Benfica Sack Manager Roger Schmidt After Two Seasons In Charge

The decision comes following Friday's uninspiring 1-1 draw at Moreirense.

Benfica have only been able to pick up seven points from their opening four league matches, which they consider not good enough.

Already, they are five points behind leaders Sporting Lisbon.

Benfica appointed Schmidt in the summer of 2022 and the 57-year-old German led the Estadio da Luz outfit to the Portuguese league title in his first season.

Schmidt had a contract with Benfica which was due to run until the summer of 2026.

A statement released by club president Rui Costa read: "Roger Schmidt is no longer the coach of Benfica. 

"We wanted stability, but after four rounds and due to the results and performances we could not achieve, we felt it was time to change the coach. 

"I want to thank him for his work, for the two titles won, and for developing young players, but we understand that it is time for change.

"We are working on the future, on a new coach, whom you will soon know. When we return to training, we will have a new coach; we have quality."