UEFA Cup - Flores to leave Benfica

Eurosport - Wed, 17 Jun 09:05:00 2009

Quique Sanchez Flores is to step down as coach of Benfica after the two sides agreed to end the Spaniard's contract a year early.

FOOTBALL Benfica coach Quique Sanchez Flores, who agreed to step down after a disappointing season saw them finish third in Portugal - 0

Benfica said they had reached an agreement in principle and would make a definitive announcement soon.

Former Getafe and Valencia coach Flores joined the Portuguese club in May 2008.

With club director Rui Costa, he built a squad that included Spain international Jose Antonio Reyes, Argentina playmaker Pablo Aimar and former Internazionale striker David Suazo, of Honduras.

Despite an array of talent that many expected would see them dominate the Portuguese league, they could only finish in third place, 11 points behind champions Porto and seven adrift of local rivals Sporting Lisbon.

Media reports have said Braga coach Jorge Jesus is likely to sign an agreement with the club this week.

Reuters

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