What is RSS?

Quim: “Everyone at Benfica is pulling in the same direction”

Goalkeeper to reach personal milestone against Guimaraes

There is a palpable feeling of excitement and optimism surrounding Benfica and their fans this year. The upbeat climate has not been much in evidence at the Estadio da Luz for many a year, but this time there just may be good reason for it.

The Eagles are currently sitting in third place in the table, are the only unbeaten team in the Liga Sagres, and look like a side that has put all of their underachieving ghosts behind them.

Following the acquisitions of the likes of Jose Antonio Reyes, David Suazo, Yebda, Carlos Martins, Sidnei and, most importantly, coach Quique Flores, the team is starting to have a different look and attitude – one that has been missing for quite some time.

“Big names don’t win matches”

“We have to be a more mature team, but we have worked towards being one,” claims goalkeeper Quim. “I was fortunate to be champion in my first year with Benfica and afterwards we had three difficult seasons. This year we hope to be champions by season’s end.

“We are a good team. We have merit and have players who are recognised internationally, but it is not names that win games. We have to be a united squad.

“Benfica managed to group together these international names and everyone is pulling in the same direction. I am not saying we are the best team, but we are a very good team,” added the Portuguese international.

This weekend Benfica travel to Portugal’s founding city where they will take on Vitoria Guimaraes. Picking up a win at the Estadio Afonso Henriques might even start to convince the biggest cynics that Benfica are truly building a strong case to become newly crowned champions of Portugal.

It will be a highly contested match between two of the country’s oldest clubs and one that will mark an important milestone.


Quim PortuGOAL profile


The game will be Quim’s 300th appearance in the Portuguese championship. The 32-year-old is very proud to have reached the plateau and would like nothing more but to build on the achievement.

“It’s very important for me. It’s difficult to obtain – not every player manages to do so – but what is important is that I give the best I can. I hope I can play many more matches.”

Quim went on to add he is enjoying his football and that he is going through a good spell, starting for both club and country, and would not mind playing until he is 38 years of age, if his body holds out for that long.