May 8, 2008 5:54 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Toni Not Interested In Sven Reunion At Benfica

Portuguese coach Toni insists that he will not ask for a place in Benfica's Rui Costa-led revolution...

The 61-year-old coach was Sven-Göran Eriksson's assistant manager during one of his stints at Benfica and has been linked with a return to the Lisbon-based club, should the Swedish veteran join the Eagles.

However, the Benfica board seem to prefer Carlos Mozer as Eriksson's assistant and Toni, who is currently coaching Al-Etiffaq, has made it clear that he will not ask for a place at Benfica.

"I cannot create a scenario of someone who is knocking to return. I only feel that someone friend and competent, like Rui Costa, can be a watershed for Benfica," he told radio station TSF.

"He can help Benfica regain dominance over the Portuguese football, which belongs to FC Porto. Then, Benfica can turn to the Champions League."

"Rui Costa must be very careful about his project for Benfica. He cannot dilute the hope that everyone has in him. He needs to define a route and pick the right people for this important moment."

Club legend Rui Costa, who will become the club's sporting director at the end of the season, was seen in Manchester this Wednesday in a meeting with Eriksson, which marked his start as the successor of José Veiga.