May 15, 2008 11:23 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Rui Costa Pessimistic On Sven Return

Rui Costa admits that the chances of seeing Sven-Goran Eriksson back on the bench at Benfica now look bleak.

Newly retried Rui Costa, who was just unveiled as the sporting director of the Portuguese capital club, was full of enthusiasm at his official presentation, except on the subject of an emotional return for Eriksson.

"He is one of an exclusive group of coaches who have the right profile to be coach of Benfica," Rui Costa said.

"But the situation doesn't allow us to hold out much hope and we have decided to look at other solutions."

Benfica and Eriksson had been engaged in talks ever since it became clear that his days at the City of Manchester stadium are very likely numbered. Negotiations seemed to be at an advanced stage, and the 60-year-old was reportedly very close to agreeing terms with Benfica, but the former England boss is now believed to have turned down the offer.

With a mooted return to Benfica now reportedly off the table, Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is said to be exploring the possibilities of managing Chelsea or Mexico.