Nine Years And Counting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benfica have once again started the season off on the wrong foot yet again as they were unable to win their season opener for a ninth consecutive season. Five out of the last nine season opener's have been under the management of head coach Jorge Jesus.

After the 2-1 loss to Maritimo on Sunday August 18, 2013 at the Estádio dos Barreiros, JJ admitted after the game that perhaps Benfica went into the game underestimated Maritimo and hoping for their long awaited first three points of the season. Teams like Maritimo know that they can never win a season the way the big three do in Portugal however, defeating one of the big three is often considered to be as prestigious  as if they had won the league. (Bragging rights)

Benfica's lineup on Sunday was fair but some would argue not their best eleven as we saw Ruben Amorim in the starting 11 which appeared to be a 4-4-1-1 formation. Amorim has always been a player who is versatile on the pitch and can play multiple positions such as a 6, 8 on the wing or as a full back.

 

 

MIA

Benfica were without their two most transferred rumoured players Eduardo "Toto" Salvio and Oscar "Tacuara" Cardozo. Salvio may be suffering from the same syndrome as Gareth Bale and that is the "Silly Season Syndrome." Whereas Cardozo is likely to return to train with the squad but may also be a part of the "Silly Season Syndrome" as we keep hearing reports of offers from Fenerbahce, Napoli, Russian teams, Cardiff City and the most recent West Ham United. (This just in, Cardozo is rumoured to sign a 2 year deal with Toronto FC... why can't I?)

Newly appointed Benfica Serbian Lazar Markovic was unable to make he game as he suffered an injury during training. However, we did see our amazing new 9.5 Filip Djuricic who I must admit was out of the spotlight for this game which is disappointing considering his impressive pre-season performance.

 

 

OVERALL

Anyone who watched Benfica's performance on Sunday is of the same belief as myself that this team needs a lot of work to come out on top of the Liga Zon Sagres during the 2013/14 season. There are many concerns going forward

 

CONCERN#1 There are too many Forwards, Wingers, on this team.

 

It is always good to have depth and overall if Benfica can keep the likes of John, Gaitan, and Salvio (highly doubtful) for another season, and they can remain loyal and happy being rotated constantly then our wingers can all stay. The issue with this is let's say Gaitan has an amazing season does and John gets less playing time, will John want to stick around? or in the case of Salvio would Sulejamani then want to leave? Coaches undoubtedly always have favorites but can JJ be a fair coach and rotate the squad fairly?

 

In terms of Forwards, Lima and Rodrigo are looking like they are going to carry this team without Cardozo. As a fan, I have some questions:

 

A) Why loan out Nelson Oliveira to France at a time in which we know Oscar Cardozo will move on from Benfica and Benfica will need a third striker?

 

B) Why did Benfica pick up River Plate forward Rogelio Gabriel Fures Mori who at 22 has scored less goals in his entire career then Cardozo did last season alone?

 

Mori will be another Alan Kardec or Eder Luis. He will get a few minutes here or there, score the odd goal and then when he departs from the club, no one will even remember what he did or where he came from.

 

CONCERN#2 The pressure on Jorge Jesus

 

Some are of the belief that if Benfica lose week #3 to Sporting at the Alvalade that he will be dismissed as Benfica's head coach. Providing that Benfica win week #2 to Gil Vicente, Benfica will only have 3 of 9 potential points. If the Liga Zon Sagres is as competitive this year as it was last year then at this point Benfica can kiss the league title goodbye.

 

I am only presenting this  theory due to the fact that Benfica fans expect results and if their team gets off to a bad start then they would want the blood of not only JJ but also President LFV.Okay, 3 weeks in may be a little harsh even for Benfica fans, but by Christmas if this team is below 2nd place, JJ and LFV can all go to hell in my books. It was bad enough losing a third straight season in a row to FC Porto but to make it a fourth this season is not acceptable. Especially since Benfica  went out and spent money on "Team Serbia" and as of recent there is talks of future Serbs joining the team. It was not long ago that LFV was in Serbia making deals with FK Vojvodina  in what appears like Benfica will be have exclusive rights to contract future prospects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE REALITY

 

For LFV to come out after the Maritimo game and still stand behind JJ and his squad, it means that JJ is not going anywhere. JJ just signed a 2 year contract with Benfica worth approximately 8 Million Euros. Whether or not he stays for 2 years or is fired, there is a stipulation in his contract which will guarantee him his full wages.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

We as fans expect our teams to be successful always. This is not always possible due to circumstances out of our control and theirs. However, mistakes can be avoided. It has been four seasons since we have had a proper left back and yet the Benfica organisation refuses spends money foolishly on excess wingers and strikers. It was reported only a few weeks ago that Benfica had over 100 contracted players, more then half of which are not used, sit on the bench throughout the season or on loan. Can we not remove this excess fat and buy a quality left - back to compete in league and European competition?

 

Although, it is silly season and we should not believe everything that we read, I was excited to see that Benfica was interested in signing Manchester United LB Alexander Büttner who is now on his way to a loan deal at Besiktas in Turkey. This is a id who has a prosperous future coming from the ranks of Ajax and of course Man U.

 

It is true that it is still early in the season to make assumptions. Anything is still possible. Sporting defeated a newly promoted team and are already being praised as this year's champions. There are still 29 games left in the league, plus cup games and European competition. Last season in France PSG started off terribly losing their first four games of the season and they came back winning the Ligue 1.

 

Benfica will have a lot of pressure on them this season but with the new additions to the squad, and hosting the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League Final it's time to move forward. What happened in 2012/13 should not reflect what is going to happen in 2013/14.

 

There Is No Room For You Here

"Why did I try to beat up that stubborn Mule?"

The more I read about Oscar Cardozo in the tabloids, the more frustrated I get with his weasel of an agent Pedro Aldave. Since the Portuguese Cup final, there has been constant reports of "Tacuara" leaving the eagles and being linked to such teams as; Cardiff City, Manchester City, and Turkish side Fenerbahce.  

Almost everyday sites like ABola have had stories pretty much guaranteeing that Cardozo will leave Benfica anyday now to Turkey. Supposedly Benfica's President LFV has approved the 30 year old striker's transfer to Fenerbahce. 

As i'm preparing for my Tuesday night ritual (www.talkingtothedoll.podbean.com the only English speaking Benfica pod on your world wide web) I was a bit stunned to read on ABola.com that «Cardozo está mais perto de ficar no Benfica do que sair», 

What is wrong with Cardozo and his agent Pedro Aldave? Does Cardozo think that he is going to win the heart of his coach Jorge Jesus and remain on the team as if nothing ever happened? or is his agent pulling some sort of publicity stunt to either gain a raise or some cred within the European Soccer Agent's? (not an actual organisation)

As a fan (because I am not a professional writer by any means) I acknowledge Cardozo's contribution to Benfica. He has had an impressive career at the luz thus far scoring 161 goals in 261 Benfica appearances and will go down in Benfica's top 10 records for most goals. 

After watching Benfica lose the Portuguese Cup Final to Vitória de Guimarães, I could not believe his actions on the pitch. I sympathised with him because he wore his emotions on his sleeve and he was so disappointed to lose because he loves being at Benfica so much and wants to win as much as every player and when you lose you want to blame someone right? and who better to blame then the coach right? However, from JJ's perspective and the organisation's perspective these actions are not acceptable and when there are actions that can affect team morality there must be consequences. 

For example; I am an employee and I have a boss. There are times in which I want punch my boss in the face but for fear of losing my job (and my soon to be wife) I do not pursue my actions. Let's say one day I did punch my boss in the face and by fluke got away with it, what example would I set for my fellow employee's? Pretty soon everyone will be punching my boss in the face assuming that they can get away with it because I did. 

Cardozo must leave.I'd like to believe that he is worth 12 - 15 million but as the theory stated by my wise friend Steve goes, Benfica may settle for cheap just so they can rid of him at the end of the summer transfer window. Call me crazy but at 30, a striker is not old. They may be past their prime still but as long as Cardozo stays fit and gets minutes, I am a firm believer that he will continue to score 20-30 goals per season until he starts to slow down at age 32-33.

Don't worry Benfica nation, the goals will come during 2013/14 without him. Lima is a guarantee 20+ goals (as he did this past season with Benfica and the previous season at SC Braga) and Rodrigo can very well have his best year and fight against only 1 (not 2) other striker for top position. Let's face it, Oliveira will be away on loan to Stoke City and Lima can't possibly play every game and score every single goal for Benfica throughout the season. Let's not forget our new #10 oh wait.... 9 and a half according to JJ, Filip Djuricic who has demonstrated in the pre-season that he can produce plays and set up goals. 

In the footy world players come and go. Change is inevitable and whenever a player enters a club like Benfica it is only a matter of time before he exits and is replaced by the next available player. 

3 goals against Sporting in Alvalade. 

The Magnificent Seven: Serbia Attacks Portugal!

The 2012/13 Liga Zon Sagres has come and gone and Benfica finished the season without silverware. It is no doubt that anyone who followed Benfica throughout the season noticed the excellent performance and revelation of Nemanja Matić the 24 year old Serbian midfielder. Matić is considered to be a hidden gem. After Javi Garcia and Axel Witsel departed, nobody expected this former Chelsea Midfielder to even crack the bench let alone make Benfica's starting 11.

Nemanja Matić is an example of what has been going on in Soccer for decades, The outside player coming in and taking over. We see it in Spain with players like Messi, and Ronaldo. England with it's abundance of African players and the USA with Mexican players. 

The sad reality is unfortunately sometimes the local players just can't cut it and a team has to resort to attract foreign players. It is not to say that there is no talent at a local level but it's sometimes worth while to think outside of the box. 

With the 2013/14 season just weeks away (and pre-season in less then 2 weeks) the Benfica master mind's were at it again. Since Matić, had such a great season then perhaps there are more players like him out there. While FC Porto, Sporting, and others continue to scout players in South America, Benfica have decided to look to Serbia for not only the next Nemanja Matić but hidden gems who are quality players. 

Introducing Benfica's newest acquisitions from Serbia.

Nemanja Matić Немања Матић
Born: 01.08.1988 in Sabac, Serbia
Age: 24
Position: Midfield - Defensive Midfield
Foot: Left
Market Value: Approximately 14.000.000€

-  Nemanja Matić joined Benfica on January 31, 2011 from Chelsea as part of the David Luiz trade. Benfica received approximately 25.000.000€ and Matić who at the time was loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse. Matić this past season played 45 games in all competitions. He scored 5 goals (including one amazing goal against FC Porto) On 14 January 2013, he was awarded with a contract extension lasting until 2018, with the buyout clause set at €45 million

Filip Đuričić Филип Ђуричић

Born: 30.01.1992 in Obrenovac, Serbia

Age: 21

Position: Midfield - Attacking Midfield

Foot: Both

Market Value: Approximately 7.000.000€

- Out of all of the Serbian additions to the 2013/14 Benfica squad, Đuričić is showing the most promise. Now that Pablo Aimar has left Benfica, Đuričić, can not only play on the wings but may essentially be Benfica's new number 10. A position that has not been filled in quite a while (perhaps since Aimar was a starter) Welcome Filip Đuričić to Benfica!

Lazar Marković Лазар Марковић

Born: 02.03.1994 in Čačak, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)
Age:19
Position: Striker - Left Wing
Foot: Right
Market Value: Approximately 7.000.000€

- During Partizan's group stage performance in the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League, Lazar Marković's performance got the attention of many teams throughout Europe including Inter Milan, and Rubin Kazan. Marković appeared in 19 league games and scored 7 goals and rated Marković among the 25 best players in the Serbian SuperLiga. Welcome Lazar Marković to Benfica!

Miralem Sulejmani Миралем Сулејмани
Born: 05.12.1988 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)
Age: 24
Position: Striker - Right Wing
Foot: Left
Market Value: 2.500.000€

- Sulejmani can very well be another hidden gem in the upcoming Benfica 2013/14 season. He has played in the Dutch league with SC Heerenveen, and Ajax. It was rumoured in February 2013 that both Sulejmani and Đuričić were going to be new additions to Benfica and effective in July 2013 both players have gained their spot. Sulejmani has had UEFA Europe Cup experience in the past with Ajax as he scored against Juventus in the round of 16 competition. Although he has not played in quite sometime due to a near career ending injury he sustained against Roda JC in March of 2012, Sulejmani will be competing against the likes of Salvio, and Ola John for a top spot in the Benfica starting 11. Welcome Miralem Sulejmani  to Benfica!

Stefan Mitrović Стефан Митровић

Born: 22.05.1990 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)

Age: 23

Position: Central Defender - Left

Foot: left

Market Value: 1.100.000€

- With the expected departure of Ezequiel Garay at some point this summer, Mitrović is one of 3 possible replacement choices. Although, Lisandro Lopez is still not confirmed, Steven Vitoria may have previous experience in the Portuguese league but can he keep up with Stefan Mitrović who has just come off of a successful season with Belgium side Kortrijk in which he appeared in 22 matches and scored 3 goals. Mitrović is contracted at Benfica until June 2015. Welcome Stefan Mitrović to Benfica!

Uroš Matić Уpoш Maтић

Born: 23.05.1990 in Sabac, Serbia

Age: 23

Position: Midfield - Attacking Midfield

Foot: ?

Market Value: 450.000 €

- Just like his older brother, Uroš Matić came to Benfica on the free. This attacking mid - fielder has represented the Serbian under 19 team during the 2009 European under 19 competition. He spent 4 seasons playing for Slovak side MFK Košice. If Uroš has similar talent to Nemanja, we may see the two brothers playing side - by -side in a few games.  He is currently on a one year contract with a possible five year extension. Welcome Uroš Matić to Benfica!

Filip Marković  Филип Марковић

Born: 03.03.1992 in Čačak, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)

Age:21

Position: Midfield

Foot: Right

Market Value: ?

- Lazar Marković older brother Filip has signed onto the Benfica B team for the upcoming 2013/14 season. There is no information as of yet as to what his role will be or the length of his contract. Never in Benfica's history has there been 2 sets of Serbian brothers. Welcome Filip Marković to Benfica!

Steven Vitória, Fernando Aguiar: Benfica Through A Canadian Perspective

January 2013 Benfica hosted FC Porto in week # of the Liga Zon Sagres. Both teams undefeated so far in the season. I often try to catch the bigger games of the season at the Casa Do Benfica in Toronto. Normally during these big games the Benfica house is filled with Benfica supporters. It was Sunday and instead of spending the day with my wife or my real family, I was spending the next 2 hours with my other family, the hundreds of Benfica fans who don't judge me for supporting who I feel is the greatest club in the world.

Sitting at the opposite side of the bar I see an older couple who was being approached by everyone. The woman had a "Aguiar" jersey on. My brother soon pointed out that she was the mother of ex - Benfica player Fernando Aguiar.

Although, I did not watch Benfica during Aguiar's stint at the Luz, I have always been fascinated with him. It is the same type of fascination that I have with Newly appointed SLB defender Steven Vitória.  The connection is simple if you can't guess it then I'll tell you. Canadian Men's National Team. Vitória although Canadian born wants to represent Portugal? however, Aguiar born in Portugal represented Canada. 

It was announced on June 16, 2013 that Mississauga, Ontario born free agent Steven Vitória joined Benfica after months of speculation. It was also reported in the past through Portuguese media that Steven would never want to at at Benfica, although such tabloids as O Jogo, and A Bola are not always reliable sources, I believe there is some truth to this. it's funny how that has changed. It's Steven's dream to represent Portugal and what better way to get Paulo Bento's then to play on Portugal's most popular team, Benfica.

Fernando Aguiar however, was born in Portugal in 1972 but immigrated to Canada. By 1995 while living in Canada, he played top flight soccer in Portugal playing for not only Benfica but Beira Mar and Nacional. When given the chance to play on a International level, Aguiar decided not to choose his birth country of Portugal but chose his new home of Canada instead. I have a theory on this. 

It was noble of Aguiar to chose Canada over Portugal. Ideally if the FIFA rules made any sense, each player would represent their birth right country. There would be no nationalization of players and if you dislike your birth country then you should not be playing on a international level. For Aguiar, who was born in Portugal but came to Canada and decided to play for them he is making a statement that he considered Canada his home. Aguiar's parents are proabably a lot like mine taught us at a young age how Canada provided a better life for all of us and gave us opportunities that we would not have in Portugal. Vitória I feel is of the belief that he does not consider himself Canadian but Portuguese and feels that he is good enough to play with the likes of Ronaldo, Pepe, and Moutinho. Steven has not come out and said that he is not interested in playing for the Canadian Men's National squad but the main conflict that Steven faces is that Portugal has not called him up for any matches.

The reality is with centre backs like Pepe, Bruno Alves, currently starting for Portugal Steven does not have a chance to not only crack the starting 11 but the bench. Luis Neto, and Sereno are showing great promise for the future of Portugal's centre-back positionA few years ago after returning on a flight from Lisbon to Toronto my brother had the privilege of speaking with Fernando's Mom on the plane and when they started discussing her son's career she told him that the worst thing that happened in Aguiar's career was the back and forth traveling from Portugal to represent Canada. It took a toll on his performance and his health. Aguiar no longer plays pro soccer but is supposedly living in Lisbon as a scout with ties to Benfica.

If you are Steven and you are playing at Benfica it is easier to take time off to play for Portugal then to hop on a plane and travel 6 hours back to Canada. If Steven Vitória wants to be an international star and make a difference then he should accept Canada with open arms. I'm sure Steven would have a starting position on the team after a successful 2012/13 season with Estoril Praia in whcih he scored 11 goals as a centre back.

Vitória is not the only Canadian born soccer player who chose not to represent Canada on a international level. Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Fernandes, Junior Hoilett, Jonathan De Guzman, Teal Bunbury (Son of former Nacional star Alex Bunbury)are only a few names who took the easy way out. I am aware that this is a Benfica blog and not a Team Canada blog but the reason my national team is so stagnant in evolving on the world's stage is because it's easier to play on a well established team than to play on a team that needs to rebuild and capture talent. If players like Vitória continue to abandon Canada then Canada will never evolve. Why is the US such a powerhouse now? because over the last 20 years the US spent money on developing the sport of soccer, marketing the product to attract players, and of course they spent money on a coach. Something in which Canada has yet to do. This is a different conversation for a different time.

Vitória has already represented Portugal at the U19 and U20 levels. During the 2007 FIFA U 20 tournament held in Canada, Vitória represented Portugal and was praised by his performance especially by the Luso Canadian communities in southern Ontario. This was the same tournament in which such players as Juan Mata, Luis Suarez, Fabio Coentrão, Chicarito, Giovanni Dos Santos, David Luiz, Angel Di Maria, Shinji Kagawa and dozens more bursted into the spotlight and would become the future stars of soccer. Vitória's performance during the upcoming season at Benfica will determine whether or not he is worthy of a spot representing "As Quinas." Regardless of who he represents on an international, I am much more interested in seeing what the 26 year old has to offer at Benfica.

2012/13 Season Review: Bad Luck or Bad Decisions?

INTRO RANT

I must admit, not to sound dramatic but from the week of Benfica losing to Porto and then traveling to Amsterdam and losing in the Europa League final I began to lose hope. I did not want to talk to anyone nor speak of the events that took place between Saturday through Wednesday. I have no problem admitting that my predictions of Benfica winning 3 titles during the 2012/13 season did not follow through. My biggest problem right now is not accepting defeat but I have questioned my faith in Benfica. Well, not so much Benfica but the organisation and the people who are making decisions that are affecting the organisation.  

As much as I love this team, it is very frustrating to watch this team at times. I compare my relationship towards Benfica as one of a parent to a child. If the child makes mistake does the parent stop supporting and loving that child? You the parent at the moment are disappointed and a bit frustrated with your child but through thick and thin you will love that child no matter what. That is exactly how I feel about Benfica. Frustrated at times but loyal through thick and thin.

By the time Benfica played their final game of the year losing in the Portuguese Cup Final to a 9th place Guimaraes and lost 2-1, I was too numb to feel. I laughed and went home. 

WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG?

Let's face it, when we tied Estoril 1-1 in front of 60,000 fans at home on a Monday that was our title decider. It was not losing away to FC Porto in the 92" Benfica did not give Estoril the benefit of the doubt and this tie will go down in the history books as the result which cost us the league 3 years in a row to FC Porto.Not to beat this with a dead horse because while I was crying for the past 2 weeks everything has been said already. Benfica underestimates smaller teams, which is a mentality that got them into a lot of trouble this year. By underestimating Estoril, they lost the league and by underestimating Guimaraes they were unable to win the Portuguese Cup a title which Benfica has not won in 9 years. 

When it came to losing to Chelsea in the European Cup Final, Benfica played a great game and have nothing to be ashamed of. Anyone who watched the game saw how great they played but because they could not score in the first half it made it very difficult to take charge of the game. Who would of thought that Chelsea would score a header in the 92" to win the title. Perhaps a Lima / Cardozo duo to start would of produced a better result during the first half then Rodrigo / Cardozo? 

JJ PROJECT ENZO & PROJECT MELGA

I hope I will not be eating my words next season when I say right now that at this very moment that I am sick of Jorge Jesus. I understand that he is the 15th highest paid coach in the world and to some degree the guy is responsible for Benfica's impressive European performances over the last 4 years, however, JJ (like most coaches) has a massive ego. He enjoys challenges and implementing change. For example, JJ's biggest success throughout the 2012/13 season was his adaptation projects of Enzo Perez and at times Lorenzo Melgarejo. If JJ was getting a grade on adapting players, Project Enzo would get him an A+ and Project Melga would land him a C (a pass but there is room for improvement)

During the January 2013 transfer window Benfica were in talks of purchasing a much needed left back. Almost daily there were reports of players such as Angel (Roma), Ziegler (Juventus), Eliseu (Malaga) and several other names floated around. Benfica have been without a quality Left back since Fabio Coentrao departed to Real Madrid. When a team exposes a weakness ( In Benfica's case it was the left back position) another team will use that to their advantage. The irony in all of this is that even though Melga was adapted into this position, it was a much a better improvement then when Benfica had Emerson previously.

ANOTHER 2 YEARS OF JJ

It was announced on June 4, 2013 that Jorge Jesus will be Benfica's coach for another 2 years. If he lasts until 2015, JJ will be Benfica's longest running coach since the end of the second world war. It is rumoured that JJ will have a more influential role as Benfica's coach. For example; he will have more of a say as to who comes and goes at the club. This can go both ways for JJ. If the suggestion and moves benefits Benfica by winning them championships, then he looks like a genius but if his judgement fails then not only will it cost Benfica championship titles but it will cost JJ his job.

Many have also brought up the point that if Benfica get off to a bad start in the upcoming season, JJ should and will be fired by Christmas time. In the event that JJ is fired not only does Benfica have to find a replacement half way in the season (never a good result) but Benfica will have to pay out the remainder of his contract. I guarantee that if results and success are not met throughout the 2013`/ 14 season, the socios, and fans will not only want JJ removed as coach but LFV will be blamed for another failed season.

Where I do give JJ credit is that he is great at developing players. With players such as Andre Gomes, Andre Almeida, Enzo Perez, and to some degree Lorenzo Melgarejo all making names for themselves this year at the helm, we can't help but to credit some of their success to JJ's development. 

JJ RATING

So on a scale from 1 - 10, JJ gets a 6. Benfica came close to winning 3 titles during the 2012/13 season but could not finish. The season was not a total bust there were a lot of great moments but going into FC Porto with 1 point down, needing a win or a tie was wishful thinking since Benfica has beaten FC Porto only 3 times in the last 20 encounters in FC Porto.

As much as I enjoy bashing the FC Porto organisation, the reality is that they always have a great team. Since the 1999-00 FC Porto have won 9 League titles and Benfica have only won 2. FC Porto have won two UEFA championships,Benfica  only this year made it to the final in 23 years. Although corruption is evident in the FC Porto organisation, (We all remember 2006 APITO DOURADO the same year Juventus and AC Milan were punished for match fixing in the Serie A, whereas FC Porto was not, also what about the ghost penalty kicks given to FC Porto on the last game of this year`s season against Pacos De Ferreira, I can go on and on) FC Porto are always organised and prepared for change at the club within the club before change happens, whereas Benfica struggle to figure out simple details like for example; they knew JJ`s contract was up why would you wait until the season was over to renew his contract? On top of it,Benfica won nothing this year, not even the not so important League Cup (They lost to Braga in PK) is there a game plan to improve for the upcoming season?

On the June 11, 2013 episode of the Talking To The Doll Podcast, we will be handing out player awards. Here are my picks:

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Ezequiel Garay

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Eduardo Salvio

MVP Nemaja Matic

REVELATION / SURPRISE Enzo Perez

MOST IMPROVED Nico Gaitan

BUST Jardel

NOTEABLE MENTIONS Lima, Ola John, Artur, Urreta, Andre Gomes, Andre Almeida

Nine Years Later: Benfica 2013 Portuguese Cup Champions

The Portuguese Cup (Taça de Portugal) is arguably the second most important title (The League is first) to win in Portugal. There is something about going through a tournament all season long which involves teams from the first four divisions within Portugal that brings a sense of pride and accomplishment to the winning team as being the absolute "Best Team In Portugal."

This year Vitória de Guimarães will face Benfica at Estádio Nacional, Jamor in Lisbon, Portugal. The final  has taken place at this venue since 1946 with the exception of the 1961 where it took place near Porto to accommodate the Minho  teams FC Porto and Leixões. 

Benfica is the most successful team in this tournament winning 24 Portuguese Cups (winning their first in 1939). Although, Benfica has 8 more titles then FC Porto. Benfica have not won this tournament since 2004 defeating FC Porto in extra time 2-1. 

Benfica need to win this year's Portuguese Cup for the following reasons:

1) It has been 9 years since we last won it. (Porto x 4, Sporting x2, Serubal x 1, Academica x 1)

2) If Benfica lose, then the 2012/13 season will go down as "The Year Benfica Choked" giving momentum to our rivals FC Porto, and Sporting. 

3) If Jorge Jesus wants any sort of credit as an accomplished coach in Europe and if he wants to gain some of the points back that he lost with the fans, they will win

4) The Players worked hard this year and deserve a championship

5) The fans deserve to celebrate a victory

Although some regard the 2012/13 season as a failure for Benfica, (Losing the league a third straight year to FC Porto, and allowing Chelsea to score in the 93" of the European Cup Final) many feel that if Benfica are victorious this Sunday it will not be a total bust. This is especially true if you are Benfica coach Jorge Jesus. Benfica's President LFV spoke out the day after Benfica's Europa League Cup Final loss to Chelsea saying that " Jorge Jesus is not going anywhere" and will remain at the helm for the next 2 seasons.

As a Benfica soçio, I feel that I am not the only one in favour of JJ's departure. He will go down as one of Benfica's most successful coaches who really at the end of the day did not win much besides the 2009/10 season. He may redeem himself somewhat if Benfica are victorious this Sunday at the Jamor but it is very frustrating for the fans and for the Benfica organisation to lose 2 titles in extra time within 96 hours of each other. 

This Sunday I hope that all of the fans can try to forget about the disappointing defeats throughout this season. Let's put on our jersey with pride and support this team because we are all down and out. We need something to celebrate and we need Benfica to bring back this titles that we have not seen in 9 years. 

JJ has the tendency to experiment on big games by changing the squad line-up. For example; one can argue that the Europa Cup Final vs.Chelsea, Benfica did not start their best 11. Had Lima started over Rodrigo perhaps the game would of gone differently? On Paper Lima has scored more goals then Rodrigo. Perhaps Benfica would not of struggled the way that they did in the first half of that game.  Europe has come and gone and right now the Portuguese Cup is what is in front of us. 

My biggest concern is that JJ may underestimate this Vitória de Guimarães squad and may want to experiment. I say if he wants the win he must stay conservative and play Benfica's best 11. 

Artur, Maxi, Luisao, Garay (if he's not hurt), Melga, Matic, Enzo, Salvio, Gaitan, Lima, Cardozo. 

At some point have Aimar make an appearance as a proper send off because we know that he's leaving. Give some minutes to Almeida and Gomes so that they can experience playing in a championship game at Benfica and as the saying goes, "Bob is your Uncle."