March 19, 2008 6:13 PM

SOURCE:
setantasports.com

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Benfica to stick with Chalana

Benfica have confirmed that Fernando Chalana will continue as head coach of the Lisbon club until the end of the season.

The former Benfica player was elevated to head coach of the Portuguese outfit in the wake of Jose Antonio Camacho’s departure nine days ago.

Following a meeting with Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira and the club’s board of directors, it was confirmed Chalana would remain at the helm until the conclusion of at least the present campaign.

There had been rumours Chalana would not be entrusted with the stewardship of the first team after defeat to Getafe in the Uefa Cup and a draw with Maritimo in the Portuguese Cup in his first two games in charge.

Reports in the Portuguese press have suggested that a permanent replacement has already been contacted, but that the identity of the incoming coach is being kept a secret while negotiations are in progress.

In the meantime Chalana has been tasked with securing second spot in the Portuguese table, where Benfica currently sit, some 16 points adrift of runaway leaders Porto.