Veteran coach Jose Peseiro has his sights set on a new challenge, as he expresses his desire to take the helm at Portuguese powerhouse, Benfica. Peseiro, who currently leads the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, has a rich coaching history in Portugal, having managed several of the country’s top clubs, including FC Porto, Braga, Vitoria Guimaraes, and Sporting Lisbon.
Peseiro, 63, revealed his ambition during an interview with the podcast Ontem já era tarde, acknowledging the formidable task that lies ahead. Despite his aspirations, he also recognized the complexities of securing such a prestigious position.
“Coach Benfica? There is ambition, but I don’t see it as an easy thing to achieve at the moment,” Peseiro admitted. “I’ve already coached four of the five best Portuguese clubs, Benfica is missing. But I don’t see it as very clear, but anything can happen in football.”
The experienced tactician is under no illusions about the challenges that accompany his aspirations, especially with the Super Eagles gearing up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire next month. Notably, Peseiro has been given a mandate to clinch the title with the Nigerian national team, with his job on the line should he fail to meet this objective.
“It’s an ambition, a dream that I have, but I don’t position myself for it. There are people who take a stand and this doesn’t look good when there is a coach at Benfica and at a time of upheaval – thankfully the president of Benfica came to clarify this very well, I congratulate Rui Costa. That’s what you expect from a president of a big club,” Peseiro explained.
As Peseiro balances coaching duties for the Super Eagles with his long-term ambitions, football enthusiasts await the unfolding of his career path, curious to see if his aspirations will translate into a new chapter at the helm of Benfica.
