Schmidt rules himself out of Bayern coaching search
Another German trainer linked with FC Bayern München's vacant head-coaching position has ruled out a move to the German giants. SL Benfica head-coach Roger Schmidt - who coached Bayer 04 Leverkusen for three seasons between 2014 and 2017 - committed himself to his current Portuguese club at a Saturday pre-match presser.
"I deliberately extended my contract with Benfica last year until 2026," Schmidt noted at a media round ahead of his squad's coming league fixture, "The team has made outstanding progress over the past two years and we are planning the new season together."
Schmidt has led Benfica to a league title, a Super Cup, and the quarterfinals of both the Europa and Champions' League. Although city rivals Sporting are expected to take the league title this year, Schmidt evidently wishes to remain abroad. Schmidt reportedly also turned down the RB Leipzig coaching job over two years ago and may be wary of a return to the Bundesrepublik.