“Made In Benfica”

Ivan & Bernardo

-          Benfica President Luis Filipe Viera recently has come out to the media and stated that by 2020 more then half of the Benfica main squad will not only be homegrown Portuguese players but will be players who have been developed through the Benfica youth systems. LFV has come out to the media and said many things in the past. Who can forget his plan of Benfica strategic plan of guaranteeing an ample amount of trophies coming into Benfica within the next few years? And at the end of 2012 there was a big surprise or a big name arriving to Benfica in 2013. (Funes Mori?) Regardless of what was promised and delivered from LFV to the Benfica Nation in the past, this current promise of a “Made In Benfica” home grown squad is acheievable considering most of Benfica Junior squad and B squad are “Made In Benfica.”

Benfica Kids Beating FC Porto

- It was just a few days ago in which Benfica offered extended contracts to four of their youth/ B Team players valid until 2019. The players João Teixeira, Alexandre Alfaiate, Pedro Rebocho and Raphael Guzzo all accepted these contracts and have already enjoyed minutes on the pitch. Teixeira at age 19 is an 8 type of player who has played 13 games this season under Hélder Cristóvão’s B Team. LFV also promoted youth players Gilson Costa, André Ferreira, Hildeberto Pereira, João Lima and Kevin Oliveira to professional contracts. Most of these players are 17 years of age and play in the Juniors team.

Pedro Rebocho

For those of you who are ongoing listeners to the “Talking To The Doll” Benfica podcast should know that we enjoy discussing the youth and B team players at Benfica. It gives me a sense of pride in being a Benfica fan to see players like Ivan Cavaleiro, ANDRÉ GOMES ANDRÉ Almeida emerge from the youth system. Although they were not always in Benfica youth teams, they were brought in at a young age to be Benfica youth players before integrating into the main squad. It also makes me believe that more players will continue to emerge in the future. I still remember when Benfica played Celtic in Toronto on September 3, 2009 at BMO field and Nelson Oliveira and Ruben Pinto contributed to goals. At the time who would of thought that Pinto would be end up being the captain of the B Team and Nelson would become one of the most talked about Benfica strikers representing Portugal in the Euro 2012.?

Bruno Varela

- With my annual Benfica membership, I receive a few times per year “Mistica: The official magazine of Benfica.” I recently received issue 23 – Year 5 in the mail just yesterday and on the cover are 14 B and youth players with the caption “O Benfica Tem Futuro!” (Benfica has a future) This statement is especially evident if you look at the Portugal U16 through to the U19, teams. Just last week the Portugal U15 coach selected 8 players to begin training in Rio Maior to prepare for upcoming international fixtures. Perhaps a few of these players (One named Fernandes coincidently) may end up being a part of the future homegrown Benfica team of 2020? According to an interview conducted by Benfica TV on August 23, 2013 Benfica President LFV has stated that for the 2014/15 season Benfica’s strategic plan of integrating more “Made In Benfica” players into the main squad.

- Being a Portuguese player on a Portuguese club is always appealing from the outside looking in. Especially during a time in which the Portuguese league is gaining credibility as a whole by the success in Europe with FC Porto winning a few UEFA titles, SC Braga’s UEFA stints and Benfica almost every year reaching Quarter – Finals or last year’s Europa Cup final. Portugal will soon surpass Italy and possibly France within the next few years with the coefficient. Although there are still many “foreign” players in the league, “foreign” players will always be needed in any league. Especially in a country like Portugal which has a population of 10 million and hundreds of football clubs in many different league’s.

Goncalo Guedes

- It’s building a strong league with homegrown players that will turn head’s on the European stage. The Bundesliga in Germany may have a few foreign players, most of it’s players are made in Germany. According to Wiki, a team like Bayern Munich who has been one of the most dominant teams over the last few years has a main squad of half homegrown players and half foreign players. However, if you look at their B team and Junior teams they are primarily 90% German. In Spain , Barcelona main squad has approximately one third of their players are foreign. Teams in France, and even the MLS in North America (which will eventually become more then just a retirement league for Euopean players)

- Unfortunately, the biggest league in the world the EPL is compromised of mostly foreign players. Big teams in England with deep pockets who can buy almost anyone. The problem with that is, although the EPL is exciting and arguably the most watched league in the world, the English National team and youth teams are finding it hard to produce successful homegrown players because the likes of Arsenal, Manchester’s, Liverpool tend to sign foreign players leaving little room for local English players. Again, some of the best soccer is played in the EPL however, it’s admirable to see a league or a few teams within a league who have built a competitive winning squad from their own country and youth teams within their club.

JJ With Joao Cancelo

- If you look at modern society from all over the world there is a strong emphasis on “Being Local.” You’re often told to buy local or support local as it is important to build the community or area in which you live. More consumer good spent within your area, better chances of more money being invested in your community. I should buy my clothes down the street instead of giving it to the evil big Walmart a few minutes away. This HIPSTER way of thinking in which we often poke fun at (some are in denial’s of being so called HIPSTERS) should be applied to the teams in which we support.

- It surely would be a wonderful thing to see Benfica (or better yet the Portuguese league) have 60-70-80% come from Portugal but more specifically their own youth teams. What would be even better would be to see Benfica blow out the competition in UEFA competitions. But wait, that is currently on going as we speak! The Benfica Juniors team (U19) have just advanced out of the group stages in the UEFA Youth League. They defeated the likes of PSG, Olimpiakos, and Anderlecht winning the group with 14 points 4 wins, 2 draws, 15 goals scored and only allowing in 5 goals. They will now face Austria Wien in the round of 16. For this U-19 team to win the first even U19 UEFA Champions League would be a huge motivation for Benfica’s youth of today and for tomorrow. It would also send a message for future Benfica players that winning is possible.

Romrio Balde

- There are multiple names that come to mind when we discuss Benfica’s future. Bernardo Silva has been named the future number 10 in which Benfica has not seen since the likes of Pablo Aimar or even Rui Costa. Andre Gomes has been the topic of much discussion as a definitive replacement for Nemanja Matic. When Helder Costa is not rapping with his house mate Ivan Cavaleiro or scoring goals for the B Team there is much potential for him to be a future striker for our main team especially at a time in which Rodrigo, Oliveira, and possibly Cardozo may be transferred within the next year or so.

- The future looks promising for Benfica. Perhaps by 2020 Benfica will have a near perfect vision of their future. Regardless of how many trophies this team wins over the next few years while these players continue to develop we will look to the future with much pride as most of our players will be “Made In Benfica.”

2013 - The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly ... Mostly Ugly

 

Whether we want to admit it or not, it was clear that 2013 was a disappointing year for Benfica. Although, some good came to us throughout the year, the negative outweighed the positive. It is still important as fans not to let the pessimistic attitudes distract us from getting behind this team in 2014. After all 2014 is another year and we must look forward and continue to show our support for this team. It's terrible that Benfica are out of the UEFA Champions League, in a year in which we are hosting the final, however there are still four possible titles at hand and although the 2013/14 got off to a rocky start, the season has not been decided yet and the team doesn't want to go through a winning less year as they have in the past.

Although Benfica ended the 2012/13 season with a record of 24wins 5 draws and only 1 loss, their impressive record was still not enough to surpass FC Porto who won the league with only 2 points more then Benfica resulting in a third straight year as league champions. So where did it all go wrong? well, here are the last 20 days of the season in which as Benfica fans we endured a series of disappointments.

No Treble

 

 

May 6, 2013 - Match day 28, Benfica hosted Estoril on a Monday to over 60, 000 fans. A win would of been very important to Benfica as they would of spent eight consecutive match days at number 1 in the league but also, a win against Estoril would basically ensure the championship to Benfica a title in which they have not won since 2009/10 season.

The game ended in 1-1 draw and although Benfica remained first place, it would now be a win or a tie away against FC Porto which wold clinch them the league title. What was constant with this result is that Benfica continues to struggle against small teams by underestimating them. Although looking back at this game it was Estoril's defence (led by Steven Vitoria who would ironically enough join Benfica in the up and coming season) that gave Benfica a harder time then their offence.

May 12, 2013 - Match day 29, FC Porto vs Benfica in a game which would decide the league title. Benfica needed to win or tie to keep their championship dreams alive. Although tied 1-1 until the 90 +2" it was Kelvin scoring the winning goal in which JJ and all of the Benfica Nation dropped to their knees in heartache. Yet again a third consecutive season in which Benfica came so close but were unable to surpass FC Porto to win the league. More heartache was still to come.

May 15, 2013 - UEFA Europa League Final Benfica vs. Chelsea in Amsterdam. Although Benfica were unable to advance out of the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, they were able to have a successful campaign in the Europa League as they surpassed the likes of Newcastle, Marseille, and Fehnerbache to advance to the finals in Amsterdam. As "mediocre" of a title as the Europa Cup may be to some critics, it is still a UEFA title in which both teams would be happy to take home.

Benfica were also lucky on this day after goals scored by Cardozo and Torres, Benfica were in the 90+2" minute preparing to defend a corner and getting into the mindset of extra time or perhaps PK to decide this title when Ivanovich scored the winning goal making Chelsea the big winners in Amsterdam. Benfica has no luck against Chelsea as they were defeated a year prior in the quarter finals of the Champions League.

May 26, 2013 - National Stadium, Jamor, Benfica vs. Guimaraes. This was the first time in 9 years in which Benfica made it to the final of the Portugal Cup. The League, and UEFA Europa Cup were now in the past and this Portugal Cup was the only opportunity Jorge Jesus had to have the team regain their confidence in the team. Gaitan opened the score in the 30" but in the last 10 minutes of the game Guimaraes scored two goals causing Benfica to lose the Portugal Cup 2-1.

Jorge Jesus

 

 

As frustrating as it was to watch Benfica lose the treble in the final 20 days of the 2012/13 season, the main issue of Benfica's failures was Jorge Jesus.

Benfica played great footy all year round especially in a year in which they lost most of their mid Javi Garcia and Axel Witsel. Jorge Jesus stubbornness and changing tactics is what created problems on the pitch. This was especially evident during the Portugal Cup game.

Oscar Cardozo pushing JJ after losing the Portugal Cup should of made Jesus realize his foolish tactical decisions throughout that game. It made no sense to sub your best goal scorer Oscar Cardozo in the 69th minute for Urreta a winger which has not played enough games throughout the season to come in and make an impact in the last 20 minutes of the game. Enzo coming off in the 86th minute for Aimar would of made for a better sending off if Aimar got to play at least more then 10 minutes in every game throughout the season. This is Jorge Jesus and trying to figure out his every move does not make much sense.

We can criticize these three big games and question Jorge Jesus decision making and I can accept the fact that perhaps the Benfica defense did not cover Ivanovich properly to allow Chelsea to win the Europa League and I can accept that it may of been bad defending or bad luck which cause Kelvin to score the winning goal for FC Porto in the 92" minute but underestimating Estoril and losing the Cup to Guimaraes were situations in which could of been avoided by substituting in the proper players during the Gumaraes game and by changing to a more attacking formation while the game was tied against Estoril so that Benfica could of pressed more and not settle for a tie.

 

 

Half of the 2013/14 season has come and gone and Jorge Jesus is still with us. A 4-3-3 formation seems to produce results when it is implemented but Jesus would much rather enforce a 2 man midfield which has produced mediocre wins and unnecessary draws in league games and an early dismissal in the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League.

After discussing this constantly on the Talking To The Doll: Benfica Podcast we have all agreed that the 4-3-3 formation works. The third man in allows for an evenly, better distributed ball creating more opportunities for the team to create chances to score. Secretly Jesus must know that 4-3-3 works. Speaking hypothetically of course, perhaps Jesus feels the need to change his team's formation so that the opposing team can't predict his strategy or formation. The problem is although Benfica have only conceded one lost in league competition their results have been decent at times but mostly mediocre.  

 

Going into Match day 15 against FC Porto, Benfica are currently involved in a three way tie at 33 points with the big three. Looking back at these results, Benfica should be on top of the league with 40 points only allowing for a drop of points with a draw against Sporting Lisbon. There was no reason as to why Benfica had to lose points by drawing to Arouca, and Belenenses. Benfica often struggles against smaller teams it's as if they expect these teams to lay down for Benfica but it's when these smaller teams play their best is against Benfica.   

 

2014

 

 

Benfica begin the first part of 2014 with some tough challenges ahead of them. The loss of one of their top goal scorers Oscar Cardozo has allowed Lima and Rodrigo in a position to step up and put their names on the tally sheet. Lima is currently Benfica's top goal scorer with 7 goals, Rodrigo with 4. To make matters worse Benfica's top midfield Nemanja Matic may be on his way out as teams like Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Napoli are rumoured to show interest in the 25 year old Serbian midfielder.

 

In terms of talent Benfica are not lacking talent nor depth. With the arrival of such players as Filip Djuricic, Lbjumir Fejsa, Miralem Sulejmani, and Lazar Markovic it is surprising that Benfica are not blowing away the competition, instead they are struggling to surpass Sporting, and FC Porto in the league standings and lose unnecessary points to smaller clubs.

 

I am of the belief that although unconvincing thus far, Benfica have the capabilities to reinvent themselves throughout the second half of the season. Regardless of who arrives and departs from the club in January, Benfica cannot afford to lose the league for a fourth season in a row. Ideally I would like to predict that Benfica will win all 4 available titles but Benfica have a good chance of winning at least 2 out of the 4 potential titles. I base this is on the fact that upon the arrival of Jorge Jesus, Benfica have only won 1 league championship and 3 Portuguese league cup titles and losing a fourth consecutive year to FC Porto will upset many fans (who may yet again lose interest in the team for the upcoming season continuing to cause poor attendance at the Luz) but also Benfica's key players may become even more frustrated with the team's lack of success and may decide to go elsewhere. Such players as Salvio, Matic, Garay, Gaitan, John have all been rumoured to a move to the EPL. The departure of quality players is always evident but too much change at once can be more detrimental to a team then compensating for a quick cash grab. For example; although Tottenham sold Gareth Bale for a record high transfer fee, the money has not compensated for the teams mediocre season thus far. 

 

If you look at the 2012/13 season Benfica were in first place for 17 out of the 30 matchday's in the Liga including 8 consecutive weeks from 21-28. Although Benfica have yet to clinch first place this season, the season is not over yet and depending on the results against FC Porto and Sporting, winning the league is not a far fetched idea considering Benfica have beaten Sporting already (Portuguese Cup) and FC Porto have less depth and are just as mediocre as Benfica.

 

The relationship between  coach and players is clearly distant on Benfica. Benfica with or without JJ need to move forward and win the league  if not for the fans then themselves. For a team to get results the players need to believe in their coach and the system that he is implementing on the pitch and the coach needs to have faith in his players. None of this is currently happening at the club as player individuality is coming out in players like Matic, and Jesus has no faith in certain players.  Although Benfica have the depth (Djuricic, John are missing factors) and the tools (a 4-3-3 formation when appropriate) to blow away even the toughest of competitors, lack of unity is what is hurting this team.   Is there such a thing as Jesus performing a New Year's Miracle?

Looking ahead in the new  year, I will be looking at the much talked about best youth system in Portugal. I'll give you a hint, it's not Sporting Lisbon.

Life Without Nemanja, Nico, & Óscar

 

 

 

Recently on episode 91 of the Benfica "Talking To The Doll" podcast we raised the questions as to whether or not Benfica would be able to advance without Matić, Gaitán, and Cardozo. Well, what do you think?

There is no doubt in the Benfica Nation that Óscar Cardozo is without a shadow of the doubt one of the all time best Benfica strikers of all time.  His numbers speak for himself 110 goals in 123 league appeareances. 65 UEFA appeareances and is Benfica's second best all time goal scorer in UEFA. However, if you look back as to when Cardozo arrived (except for maybe the year under Quique Flores) at the club until now, the same consistent factor is evident, Benfica has always had a srong enough midfield. For a striker to score consistent goals it's because the team must have a strong midfield. Cardozo has been fortunate to have the likes of Enzo Perez, Ramires, Rui Costa to help him set up goals and that is just in the midfield let's not forget such worldclass wingers as Salvio, Di Maria or fellow strikers Saviola, Nuno Gomes, and I bet you have not forgot about Pedro Mantorras (I just had to)

For Cardozo to leave Benfica in January there are a few factors to be considered:

1) Benfica must be out of Champions League

- I can't see Benfica selling one of their top goal scorers especially if they continue on in the Champions League on a year in which they are hosting the final. (we're still in)

If they do manage to advance from the group stages, with consistent players and formation they can go far in this tournament. Cardozo has been a key player responsible for the team's success in UEFA competitions.

2) An above average offer must be indicated.

- Then again if Cardozo getting offers of 15-20 Millon, Benfica should capitalize on his worth. A player of Cardozo's passion (he should still push JJ everytime he scores) and capabilities of scoring multiple goals is hard to come by. He is a true striker and does his job well. This whole argument that Cardozo is old, for a striker he is still prime. He is a true CF and does not do much running. He does his job well and that is scores goals. For 30, I would give him another 3 maybe 4 seasons (unless injured) at 15-20 goals a season who would not want Cardozo on his team?

What happens to Benfica without Cardozo?

If these last few games was any indicator, Benfica has talented, unitilized players. Although Lima looks to be back in form at the moment, will he continue to be consistent throughout the rest of the season? Everyone forgot about Rodrigo and has proved to himself and to his team that he is worth a chance. A recent game winning goal against Anderlecht and a goal against Rio Ave, Rodrigo deserves more minutes. Any player who falls to their knees crying passionately because they scored the winning goal for their team deserves a chance. Rodrigo as discussed numerous times in the past just needs a little love, and support from his team, coach and needs to be pushed when given the minutes.

 

 

Players always play better when they know that their position is up for grabs. If a player like Rodrigo or Lima can come on every game and score or contribute to a goal when the minutes present itself, then a player like Cardozo should not always expect to start. A good point was raised on episode 91 of the Benfica "Talking To The Doll" podcast in which Alfredo stated that "Strikers are creatures of habit and need to constantly play." This is true especially if a striker needs to keep their form. However, I personally feel that each team needs to rotate their squad to allow individual players to flourish. Lima last season, scored 20 goals whereas Cardozo scored 33 goals. Rodrigo has potential to have a 20 + goal season but will fail to do so due to his spot down in the pecking order.

 

Someone needs to leave by the beginning to next season, if Nélson Oliveira

will be able to have an opportunity to play at Benfica. Cardozo and Lima are older then Nélson, and Rodrigo and to me Nélson should be the poster boy for Benfica. He stays at the team until he retires to become one of the all - time goal scorers. A homegrown Portuguese hero.

 

 

 

 

For Matić to leave Benfica in January there are a few factors to be considered:

 

1) Benfica need to be out of Champions League

 

- In a year in which Benfica is hosting the final, if we do get out of the Group stages (yes, I still believe) wouldn't it be great to see a run and who better to contribute to the team's success then Nemanja Matić

 

2) A Back up plan

 

- When Javi Garcia left for Manchester City towards the end of the summer transfer window, Benfica had no real back up plan or maybe there was? but we just did not see the potential of Matić. I have a feeling this time around that Benfica will be unable to replace Matić with a quality box-to-box midfield. Fejsa looks decent but besides being Serbian, he has nothing in common with Matić. Players like Amorim, Gomes, and even Steven Vitória can be filler but Benfica would have to go out and buy a quality 6. Perhaps, you offer Garcia his old job back? instead of him starting the occasional game at Manchester City.

 

The other option is JJ plays a more offensive formation without Matić. For example; Enzo, and Djuricić can start in the mid or you start Fejsa as the 6 with Enzo and Amorim or Gomes in the mid as well to continue 4-3-3 formation.

 

There is one player who I would like to see in the Benfica jersey not because I think he is a great player but because of what it would mean to have him in the Benfica jersey. When Simão joined Benfica in 2001, he had spent almost a decade playing at Sporting through their youth system and main team. He went on record saying that even though he played for Sporting Lisbon, Benfica was always in his heart and that he was happy playing at Benfica. Picture the same scenario but with Miguel Veloso. Miguel and his dad crying into each other's arms and even though Benfica told Miguel at a young age that he was not good enough to play for Benfica, that motivated him to work hard over the years so that he can eventually get another chance at Benfica.

 

 

 

The reality is Matić will not go cheap. If a Real Madrid or a Dortmund are willing to pay 40 even 30 million, Benfica will sell. We were almost certain in the last transfer window that he was going to leave but he ended up staying. In a year in which Benfica look a lot better then FC Porto, in order to win the League this year Matić must stay because he is a pivotal part of Benfica's midfield.

 

 

 

For Gaitán to leave Benfica in January there are a few factors to be considered:

 

1) There are enough players to fill in his position

 

-  Ola John, Miralem Sulejmani, Lazar Marković, Ivan Cavaleiro, Enzo Pérez, Filip Djuricić. Except for Enzo, these are players who are valuable and have a lot to offer Benfica. It's frustrating to hear that Ola John may go on loan to Ajax in January. John is 21 years old and will go on to bigger clubs in the future. Benfica needs to capitalize and build John's value by playing him. Unless JJ has a personal issue with John, it makes no sense that Gaitán starts over John.

 

Gaitán is a great player when he is consistent and for the most part this season he has been consistently bad. His biggest downfall was when there was talk of him going to Manchester United in the previous seasons which made him feel star struck, giving him a bit of an ego which clearly  has affected his performance on the pitch.

 

2) His Value

 

- Gaitán is only 25 years old and is contracted at Benfica until June 2016. His worth is rumoured to be anywhere from 18M onwards. If a club  is willing to pay 12-15M for Gaitán then Benfica should take the money and move forward. I can't see Gaitán doing very well in a tough league like the EPL, or Bundesliga however he is a definite playmaker who has contributed to many of Benfica's goals. He would do well in Serie A or even La Liga.

 

With or without Gaitán, he will not be a huge contributing factor to Benfica hopefully winning the 2013/14 season.

The PSG Beating & Saving The 2013/14 Season

 

 

 

 

 

Benfica traveled to Paris for Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League group stages to face PSG. Benfica starting 11 looked like this:

Although on the previous Talking To The Doll Benfica podcast I suggested a lineup that left out Enzo Perez and Oscar Cardozo, I was wrong (at least with leaving out Cardozo) Enzo although acustomed to playing on the 8 role alongside Matić last season has now taken over for an injured Salvio to his original position on the right wing. He is a great player and (listen to last weeks pod)

Going back if I can make changes to the PSG game my 11 would look like this

 

Even if we kept the same starting formation but altered a few of the players we may not of got the win but perhaps could of pressed on for the tie. Markovic and Djruicic have chemistry together and regardless of who plays the 10 and who plays the wing between the two of them, they should both be in Benfica's starting 11 especially in every important game period. Ola John came from Holland and is familiar with these Serbs and their style of play as he played against them several times during his time at FC Twente.

 

I hate to bring in Fifa 14 into this but hear me out. A healthy Benfica 11 should have the usual suspects in the back. A Matic, Enzo combo in the mid (because if Salvio is healthy there is no need for Enzo to play the wing) Salvio on the right Markovic and Djuricic one on the LW the other as a 10 and if you want to start Cardozo that is fine. John or Sulejamani can rotate the wings, Gaitan also but I would not rely on him too much because he is not consistent but can also play as a 10. You rotate the 6, 8 between Matic, Enzo, Fejsa, Amorim and maybe Gomes. The way this team is set up unfortunately it is so deep now that guys like Gaitan may have to get their minutes elsewhere or settle as a "Off The Bench" or "Play maker" kind of player.

 

As much as I want to solely place the blame on JJ I can't.  Yes we have players playing out of position and yes JJ's formation did not work for this particular game (JJ has mentioned that a 4-3-3 does not work but yet championship winning teams like Ajax, Barcelona, FC Porto  use it constantly) the players still have to maintain integrity to the club and need to play for themselves regardless if they have given up on the coach.

Fejsa though praised in the past looked slow and burnt out this game. Gomes 20 years old still young had an admire able performance. He tried shooting on net and was able to keep up alongside Matić

Djuricic looked great as a 10. Although Benfica were unable to score, Djuricic was trying to score or create chances when he could behind Cardozo. If Markovic had been playing on the wing or playing as a 10 and Djuricic on the wing their chemistry would be more successful then Gaitan and Djuricic. Gaitan is inconsistent and does not compare to the talent that our Serbians have.  Gaitan  can come off the bench and be a game changer but starting over Djuricic or Markovic is absurd.

Although he did not play because of injury or just not in JJ team plans Ola John ( who used to play in the Dutch league) would be able to gel better with the Serbs then with Gaitan.

This champions league performance was horrible. Some would even compare it to the days of Fernando Santos. The talent pool is definetly evident at PSG Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi, veratti, etc. If we want to talk about Seth Blatter's financial FairPlay rule, PSG lineup is nowhere near "Fair" regardless if captain Thiago Silva is in the lineup or not.

The group stages have just begun. Although we are hosting the final this is still not enough motivation to change this team into a worthy contender for a successful champions league run. JJ needs to fix this team and find a way to get them back on their side (clearly no one wants to play for him) before he is axed.

If he is axed then we can dismiss the 2013/14 season as a failure. Something in which could of been avoided had LFV come to his senses in May and not renew JJ's contract for 2 more years.

It's time for a change before it's too late. The squad is deep enough and good enough to be a championship winning team we just need the following:

1) Motivation from the fans
2) self confidence in the players
3) support from the Benfica organization

If the Benfica organization is allowing JJ the opportunity every week to run this team in a manner that is not producing winning results then the organization needs to step back and re-evaluate themselves. Perhaps the people above JJ need to be removed as well?

 

 

Benfica Losing Points To Corruption

 

 

As much as we all would like to think FC Porto is an honest football organisation that represents the integrity of the Liga Zon Sagres (I am not bashing FC Porto, just stating facts) in Portugal, they are not. After 6 match day results into the 2013/14 season, FC Porto once again lead Benfica by 6 points. Some can argue that FC Porto's success this season is due to their new brilliant coach Paulo Fonseca, others may say that although FC Porto have lost such key players as Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez to AS Monaco, they are still a strong team with the likes of Fernando ad Jackson Martinez. Personally, I am convince by FC Porto at all this season. Their mediocre team is currently in first place due to the corruption that is Pinto Da Costa.

Let's look again at matchday #6 where Benfica tied Belenenses 1-1 at home. Although Benfica lead in possession (65/35) and had target practice on goalie Matt Jones (Benfica 17 shots, 3 on goal, Belenenses 7 shots, 3 on goal) look at Diakité goal in the 30" was that not a goal that was considered to be offside? 2 players ahead of offside line. The argument can be made that it is a close call and that Fejsa was not doing his diligence by covering Diakité but how many close calls have we witnessed over the last few years in the Liga Zon Sagres due to poor judgement calls on referee's? Something tells me that native Aveiro ref Jorge Tavares may of been persuaded (or threatened) by one Pinto Da Costa.

 

Alright so I'm just being a paranoid, sore loser of a Benfica fan at this point right? Here, let me give you more examples. Let's go to minute 69 of the game, Cardozo is in the box trying to leap up in the air and head the ball past goalkeeper Matt Jones but if you look carefully, he is being held down by the Belenenses defense. Where is the call on that one? clearly there should of been a card issued and Cardozo would of been given a PK in which he would of scored. 2-1 final score.

Matchday #3 Lisbon Derby at Alvalade, Look at Fredy Montero's goal in the 15th minute. Clearly offside. If you look at the linesman on the top hand of the screen, Montero is clearly in front of him. Again, it may of been a close call but there are too many of these instances when the referee's judgement should be questioned.

The Solution

The solution to resolving the referee issues in Portugal is quite simple, UEFA needs to investigate further (because let's face it everyone knows about Apito Dourado) and crack down on the FPF and have non - Portuguese referee's at these games. How expensive would it be to fly in a ref from Spain, England or France? 50-60 Euros? or you can have a Portuguese ref but one who has no affiliation to the team.

As long as there are Portuguese refs like Pedro Proenca, Carlos Xistra and a few others in Portugal, our league will continue to be a parody to the rest of Europe.

JJ What The Hell? An Open letter to JJ

 

 

I'm sure as fans that we are all asking the same question. Is this guy for real? Did he forget how to coach? How does Benfica spend over €31,000,000 and are trailing behind FC Porto and a almost decent Sporting Lisbon?

 

There are a few factors in which we may consider but instead of me stating the obvious, let's try to forget those crucial mistakes and go forward. Myself, and the Benfica Nation have a plea for Jorge Jesus.

 

Dear JJ,

 

We the Benfica Nation are perplexed by the way you conduct this team. We hope that you can read this letter and (going forward) may take some of our recommendations into consideration.

 

In case you have not noticed, your current formation sucks. We lost against Maritimo Match Day#1, struggled to win Match Day#2, and although we tied during the Lisbon Derby we should of lost that game. Continuing setting up the team the way that you have will only allow our oppositions to figure us out (which some of them already have) and we will continue to lose precious points which may come back to haunt us towards the end of the season.

 

May we suggest strengthening our midfield by perhaps having a third player in the mid to accompany Matic or Enzo? Depending on whom we face perhaps Djuricic can play just in front of those guys (FC Porto, UCL start) I still don't know what a 9.5 is so why don't you play him the way he is meant to be played and that is a play maker.

 

Also, there is so much depth in the mid now, if you can occasionally rotate Enzo and Matic with either Fejsa, Amorim, or Gomes. There is no need not to rotate players.

 

Unfortunately, Salvio will be out for most of the season and Gaitan has been inconsistent as of late, can we please look at the possibility of having a Markovic / John combo on the wings? or even Sulejamani (or as you call him Suki) / Djuricic on the wing? We spent so much money on Markovic and Djuricic and since they are young, if they are healthy they are real game changers and should start ever game.

 

When it comes to Benfica's defense, I am glad that we were able to keep Garay. Let's face it Luisao is not what he used to be and he needs a strong ally beside him in centre - back. Maxi Perreira however, has not been himself in quite sometime. He has been responsible for making mistakes on the wing and will not be able to keep up against teams like Porto, and our UCL competition. I'm not saying to get rid of him but perhaps tt's time to give Almeida a start, he's young and fast with a defensive - minded approach. I realize he is a natural 6 but you're good at adapting players right? Melga was a decent LB and we all give you credit for your adaptation of Enzo Perez.

 

Remember, Benfica lost 3 possible championships during the 2012/13 season. You were very lucky to get a new contract. Our teams success and failures reflects on you. The fans deserve to win the league this year. We can't stand FC Porto and would not like to lose a fourth straight year. We are hosting the UEFA Champions League Final and if you play your cards right we have a great chance to do well in all competitions.

Good Luck Today

Best Regards,
Benfica Nation

Benfica 2013/14 UEFA Champions League Peview

 

 

 

The UEFA Champions League is in full swing as it was announced this past Thursday the group stages of the tournament. As you may know the 2013/14 final will be held at the most beautiful stadium in Portugal, The Estadio Da Luz in Lisbon in which at capacity can hold approximately 65,000 spectators.

 

Group "C"

 

All and all the luck of the draw was kind for Benfica this year. (We all remember the horrific first round elimination one year ago when Benfica faced Barcelona, Celtic and Spartak Moscow.) Joining Benfica in Group C will be Anderlecht from Belgium, Olympiacos from Greece and PSG from France. Although no team is a guaranteed win during the group stages, on paper there is no reason why Benfica cannot advance to the round of 16 or even win the group.

 

Matches

 

September 17, 2013 home vs. Anderlecht

October 2, 2013 away vs PSG

October 23, 2013 home vs Olympiakos

November 5, 2013 away vs Olympiakos

November 27, 2013 away vs Anderlecht

December 10, 2013 home vs PSG

 

 

Olympiakos

 

The last time Benfica faced Olympiakos was during the group stages of the Europa League on November 27, 2008 defeating them 5-1. Olympiakos is lead by newly appointed Spanish coach and there is a Spanish influence on that team which includes ex - Benfica goalkeeper Roberto Jiménez Gago. If appointed to those games, here is no doubt he will give it his all. Also from Spain, Defender Miguel Torres (ex-Getafe), Midfielders Ibagaza,and David Furster.

 

Another former Benfica player Javier Saviola has recently joined Olympiakos. Also, two player who are quite familiar to Benfica Paulo Machado (ex-Toulousse) and Salina (Braga, and Nacional)

 

If Benfica underestimate this team, it may cost them points and Olympiakos can very well be a dark horse in the Group C.

 

Prediction: Benfica get the full 6 points but struggle in Greece.

 

PSG

 

In both 2011 and 2007 these teams met each other in the knockout stages of the Europa League. Both times Benfica were able to prevail victorious. Although, PSG are a very wealthy and powerful team in France, will it be that easy for them to dominate Group C. Strikers Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi, and Cavani are goal seekers and if Cortez and Super Maxi don't get into gear, these 3 will run over the Benfica full backs without any difficulty whatsoever.

 

Although PSG's offence is strong, their defence may have European experience they are also aging. For example; Alex, Camara, Maxwell and Jallet are all in their 30's or almost 30 in the case of Jallet. Benfica also has a strong mid with the likes of Enzo, and Matic but have strong playmakers in the newly appointed Serbians Markovic and Djuricic who will have no problem getting past the PGG defense.

 

An advantage for Benfica is when they do play PSG at the Parc des Princes in Paris, I can almost guarantee that  out of the 48, 000 + in attendance, at least half will be supporting red and white.

 

Prediction: Benfica get 4 points, they win at home but tie in Paris.

 

Anderlecht

 

Benfica are 1-1-1 in the last 3 encounters with Belgium's Anderlecht but let's go back to when it mattered. The year was 1983 and Benfica were facing Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup Final. There were 2 games, the first leg was May 4, 1983 held in Brussels in which Anderlecht were victorious and the second was on May 18, 2013 at The Luz in Lisbon. Shéu scored for Benfica in the 32" and Anderlecht soon followed in the 38" with a goal from Lozano. Benfica struggled and tried willingly to break the tie but were unable to claim their first UEFA Cup victory at home losing to Anderlecht.

This was a loss in which most Benfiquistas will not forget and will also remember during the upcoming home and away matches of Group C.

 

Unfortunately, I don't much about this Belgium team but there are similarities to Benfica. The little that I do know is that they are currently third place in the Belgian Pro League. They represent Brussels which the capital of Belgium. They have 32 league titles and although they do not have two back - to - back champions league titles, they have two back - to -back UEFA Europa Cup titles 1983 and 1984. They do not have 7 Serbians but have 2 including a Mitrovic. They have also produced quality players such as Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany and Dries Mertens to name a few.

 

Prediction: Benfica get 6 points

 

 

 

Building Momentum

 

Although Benfica have got off to a dreadful 1-1-1 start to the 2013/14 Liga Zon Sagres campaign, Benfica have consistently appeared in UEFA competition since 2004. Upon the arrival of Jorge Jesus in 2009/10 campaign, Benfica have done the following:

 

2009 - UEFA Cup 2nd Round
2010 - Europa League Quarter-Final
2011 - Champions League 1st Round/Europa League Semi-final
2012 - Champions League Quarter-Final
2013 - Champions League 1st Round/Europa League Final

 

One thing that we all know about JJ is that he loves headlines and likes being recognized for his success. The further Benfica gets in Europe, the better it is for himself and the club. JJ's biggest accomplishment this season (besides keeping his job) for the club will be winning the league (four years in the making) but personally, I feel his ultimate goal would be to take Benfica to the biggest stage in Europe and that is this year's final in Benfica. If somehow JJ can win both, he will be looked upon as not only a genius but a God amongst the Benfica Nation. At that point JJ would look very attractive outside of Portugal and would not worry so much about his 8 million + 2 year contract at Benfica.

 

 

 

UEFA CL History

 

Benfica's history in Champions League is evident. They have won back - to - back titles in 1961 and 1962 and have been in seven finals primarily in the 60's during the team's "Glory Years," This is the same record that Juventus has (no back to back) and has as many European finals as Barcelona and Liverpool. Benfica has more final appeareances then Inter Milan, Ajax, and Manchester United.

 

 

 

UEFA CL Breakdown

 

For those of you who have always wondered (myself included) how much money can a team make during the UEFA Champions League I have decided to do my research through UEFA's web site and a little help from Wiki.

 

Every team who automatically qualifies for the competition will be awarded €8.6 and this is before they get to kick the ball in the group stages. If a team has to play a qualifier match to enter the competition (This year Arsenal had to play against Fenerbache and Zenit had to face Pacos De Ferreira to qualify) they will receive  €2.1 Million regardless if they win both matches. 

 

There are 6 games during the group stages. Each win during the group stage awards the team  €1 Million, a tie is half and a loss is 0. If a team is successful and wins all 6 games then they advance the group stages with €6 million. At this point if a team has won all of their games they have made  €14.6 million (16.7 if there is a qualifier)

 

During the round of 16 a home and away game is played and whether a team advances or not they will receive €3,500,000 (18.1 or 20.2 at this point)

 

The round of 8 or quarter finals is worth €3,900,000 (22M or 24.1M)

 

The final four or semi finals is worth €4,900,000 (26.9M or 29M)

 

Reaching the UEFA CL final and losing will get your team €6,500,000 (33.4M or 35.5M) but a win will get you  €10,500,000 (43.9M or 46M).

 

Remember these numbers are based on UEFA prize money this not include, ticket sales, team and sponsorship revenue. Also, the unlikelihood of a team reaching the final and not suffering a loss or tie during the group stages is near impossible. It is not uncommon for a team to buy quality players after a successful campaign.

 

In Benfica's case, although some fans feel that concentrating on winning the league every year is far more important then having a successful European campaign, it is also champions league money that will help Benfica pay the bills and sign quality players.

 

According the SL Benfica Transfer Market.uk page Benfica have spent over €31,000,000 in signing players for the 2013/14 season whereas they have made approximately €8,500,000 in departures (mostly Nolito and Roberto) so when you spend more money then you make what do you do?

 

This is why a good UEFA CL run helps covers those costs. Also, unfortunately with this summer's transfer window coming to a close within hours, Benfica to stay in the green financially may have to sell a Gaitan, Garay, Matic or even Salvio. (hopefully they can all stay)

Final Word

 

I have been often criticized for having too much faith in Benfica. I try to remain positive and am a passionate fan. As fans we all want our team's to do well. I celebrate when Benfica is victorious and every so often I will cry during a loss.

 

The league is a priority this year but with the UEFA CL final being held at the Luz, one can't help but dream of the possibility of watching Benfica hoist the trophy at home 52 years later.

 

The reality is every team in this competition has a chance of winning the title and Benfica's journey to the final will be no different then any other team. I am hoping that t he possibility of a final at home will inspire this team by motivating them to play that much harder then any other team in the competition.