March 18, 2008 6:41 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Benfica Confirm Chalana Stay

Benfica chairman Luís Filipe Vieira has guaranteed that Fernando Chalana will stay on as boss until the end of the season.

The former Portuguese international - who took over from Jose Antonio Camacho - has been heavily criticised following elimination from the UEFA Cup at the hands of Getafe and a draw with Marítimo in the BWin Liga.

But the Benfica board have eased the pressure, saying that Chalana will remain as coach until the summer and stressing that they have complete trust in him to help Benfica secure the second place in the league.

According to recent reports, Benfica have already chosen their new coach and only need time to agree terms with their target.

Tough Situation

Chalana is now in charge of assuring his team qualify for the Champions League, a task that seems far from easy.

They share the second spot in the table with Vitória de Guimarães. With testing trips to Porto and Boavista and welcoming seventh-placed Belenenses, the Eagles will have a tough run-in, not forgetting that they will meet Sporting in the Portuguese Cup Semi-finals in between.