FC Bayern’s search for a coach continues unabated; after numerous rejections, the list of candidates is to be processed in parallel. One thing is clear: the people of Munich can remove Roger Schmidt from this list. The 57-year-old has made a clear commitment to Benfica Lisbon.
Also sees himself at Benfica in the new season: Roger Schmidt. IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
The former Leverkusen player has long since developed into an internationally sought-after coach while abroad, has won the cup with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, has won the championship title and the Supercup since moving to Portugal almost two years ago, was in the Champions League and in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and is the Benfica coach with the best points average in the league – although city rivals Sporting are expected to win the title this season.
However, Schmidt is not tired of his job or willing to change. Even a request from FC Bayern wouldn’t change that. He made a clear statement at the press conference before the away game at FC Famalicao on Saturday afternoon. “Last year I deliberately extended my contract with Benfica until 2026. The team has developed outstandingly over the past two years and we are planning the new season together.”
Confessions of this kind have often been made by Schmidt in the past, as his name has recently been traded at top European clubs. RB Leipzig also learned in December 2021 that these should be taken seriously and that a possible return to the Bundesliga does not change its principles. The Saxons wanted to sign him after Jesse Marsch left, but Schmidt declined and later explained in a kicker interview: “It is a principle of mine and not an option to leave a team in the middle of the season.” At Benfica he doesn’t think about it even at the end of a season.
2024-05-04 12:07:55
#Bayern #rumors #Schmidt #committed #Benfica
