Benfica confirm Marco Silva as new manager

Portuguese giants SL Benfica have confirmed the appointment of Marco Silva as their new head coach on a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, following the departure of José Mourinho, who was unveiled by Real Madrid as their new manager on Thursday.

Marco Silva had been the leading contender for the vacant role since news emerged of Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, 13 years after his first stint as head coach at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Special One has signed a three-year contract with Los Blancos until 2029, hoping to restore calm after several months of dressing-room unrest during Xabi Alonso’s short tenure as head coach, before interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa briefly took charge.

Club president Rui Costa addressed the fans regarding the current situation at the club and expressed his delight with the club’s appointment of the “experienced coach”

“I expect what all Benfiquistas expect when a coach is appointed to a club of this magnitude: that he will bring us the titles we so desperately want.

“We fully believe that Marco [Silva] is the ideal coach for Benfica right now. His experience in England and what he has achieved throughout his career give us this hope.

“I am very pleased with this choice and very optimistic about Benfica’s future, with a coach who I believe will bring us what we desire.”

More to follow…