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Wednesday, 27 July 2011 15:42 |
Benfica take a grip of Champions League tie
Benfica 2-0 Trabzonspor
 After a somewhat tepid first forty-five minutes, a much improved second-half display by Benfica was rewarded with a 2-0 victory over Turkish side Trabzonspor. A Nolito goal and a wondrous strike at the end from man-of-the-match Nico Gatian puts the Eagles in a strong position to progress to the playoff.
Benfica:
Artur, Amorim (Maxi Pereira, 64), Luisao, Garay, Emerson, Javi Garcia, Perez (Nolito, 53), Aimar (Witsel, 73), Gaitan, Saviola, Oscar Cardozo
Trabzonspor:
Tolga Zengin, Serkan Balcı, Giray Kaçar, Glowacki, Celustka, Colman, Zokora, Adrian (Brozek, 84), Alanzinho (Aykut Akgun, 66), Burak Yılmaz, Paulo Henrique
Goals:
[1-0] Nolito, 71
[2-0] Gaitan, 88
As it happened:
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Lol.
Please do, go on, play your south americans and keep losing so AntiBenfica will keep laughing.
As a Benfiquista, I like the following the best.
«Para mim não há estrangeiros nem Portugueses, há jogadores do Benfica. Escolho os onze melhores para cada jogo e não pela nacionalidade», vincou Jorge Jesus.
It's about winning NOW!
"Fiquei no Benfica até ao segundo ano de juniores e ofereceram-me um contrato profissional. Era baixo, mas para mim, que não tinha dinheiro, já era muito. Mas achava que merecia mais, não o assinei porque não o melhoraram e, com 17 anos, tive de sair."
So, he was 17, they offered him a professional contract and even though it was good money Sílvio turned them down because he felt like it. And now he's hurt.
Unfortunately, that's how many Portuguese youngsters think. From what I've read it was the same with Saná and Danilo. Guess not everyone can have real devotion to a club like Rui Costa.
Cry me a river.
"- Gosto do símbolo do Benfica e do que representa para os seus adeptos, mas não aprecio nada a sua forma de trabalhar. Não aposta nos jovens, não creio que seja um bom clube nesse aspecto, em que até o FC Porto e o Sporting são melhores. O Benfica sempre foi o meu clube, formou-me, passei lá grandes momentos e o pior da minha vida, mas esse sentimento foi-se apagando. Já não é o clube do futebol português que eu apoio, sou do Braga. Quero que ganhe tudo o que puder. E o mesmo desejo para o Rio Ave. Está à vista que o Benfica não aposta nos jovens. Há lá três ou quatro miúdos muito bons mas é tudo para ir embora. Não me entra na cabeça como é que, havendo tantos bons jogadores que saem da formação, nenhum é aproveitado. São todos emprestados e acabam na terceira divisão, como me aconteceu a mim. Muitos deles têm força para se levantarem, eu tive, graças a Deus."
First of all, how does that work with Portuguese but not with South American players (Di Maria, Deco, Lisandro, just to name a few)?
Secondly, there are many examples to disprove that. Figo left Sporting when he was 23, Ricardo Carvalho left at 26 (and he's arguably our best defender ever), Paulo Sousa left at 24, João Pinto made his name playing in the Portuguese League, João Moutinho hasn't yet left at 24 (fortunately!) . . .
I actually think it is quite the opposite: leaving early is what kills a player career, the only great exception being Cristiano Ronaldo which would be great anywhere on the planet thanks to his hard-working character.
And to those raving on about Danilo Pereira, I watched Portugal's match and was far from impressed. He's really slow and an awful passer. Let's hope he has more to show.
I also don't agree that the Big Three should be the buyers while the others develop players, as behind that is the logic that only the Big Three are contenders to win anything. Look at the wonders the growth of Braga has done to the League, both domestically and in Europe.
For the record, your statement could be true and I could even agree with you. But what does that mean in regards to Benfica NOW!!! We are supposed to wait on a maybe?
Maybe we've come to the conclusion that he won't be. We could be wrong, but the fact is Benfica worries about NOW.
Unfortunately for Portugals "Big Three" that's what it's all about. We may be a smaller selling league, but the "Big" teams operate just like other leagues "Big" teams.
I also think that it would be career suicide if Portuguese footballers stayed in Portugal. Their careers will flourish abroad versus better competition. If they were all to stay in Portugal the league would lose not only nororiety put a ton of money.
By the way foreign teams also help develop our Seleccao players.
I get the patriotism and I could even understand people wanting all Portuguese players. That's fine, but realize that teams won't win a thing in Europe and our Seleccao will fall.
And for those who say we did it that way in the past, that was when everyone did it that way. The game, the rules of operating, and the world has changed.
Even if they went to mandatory naturalized squads world wide, our league would suffer due to the lack of money.
No easy answers.
But it's funny how Benfica gets killed, yet the teams that could be developing Portuguese youngsters and selling them to the "Big 3" don't.
As much as Benfica is one of my most hated rivals, I don't think they should be slammed for not having "enough" Portuguese players in their starting 11. It's the way things have turned out, and Benfica has to do what they have to do to remain competitive, not only in the Liga, but on the European stage. Playing a Portuguese player for playing a Portuguese player's sake is ridiculous. That goes for any club in the Liga and not just the top 3-4. The fact of the matter is that staying in Portugal, can be in a lot of senses, committing career suicide. Fabio is a Benfica player through and through, and although he left for Real, he shouldn't be held to a different standard than any of the stars Portugal have produced. He's gone onto greener pastures. I was always one to wonder how Eusebio would be regarded if he was allowed to leave Portugal. He's one of the best players to have ever played, but his stature in the history of the game would be more highly regarded I think if he was allowed to leave. Just my two cents.
Like everyone here, Id love Benfica to have 6-7 portuguese players (includinga few players from the Colonies), a few Brazilians and 1 Nordic player...just like the good old days. I d love the national team to be made up of players from our league...but it s never gonna happen. so you can talk about porto having 3 portuguese players in the starting eleven...ewwww im so impressed, next year they might have none. Many things have to change in Europe for things to get back to how they were....but they wont...so get use to how things are right now.
David Simao played what 20 mins in the whole preseason so far? Thats a joke. and for what he did play he made a great play against Dijon and helped Benfica get their ONLY goal in that game. So I guess maybe you are right Orlando. Those who play well are benched in Jorge Jesus' teams. It looks like if your Portuguese your screwed in Benfica. That's why Danilo Pereira refused to renew his contract with Benfica and opted for Parma. He knew that Benfica doesn't give opportunities to portuguese youth so he opted out. It isn't because like forcaslb says that the best portuguese players go abroad because other teams want them. Benfica is better than Parma. Danilo Pereira just probably didn't believe he had a shot at Benfica. Who wants that? Who wants their academy products to have low self- esteem? I can imagine the worthlessness that David Simao must be feeling. Disgraceful. Especially in preseason too. Let's not even forget Nuno Gomes. The captain was even treated like a sack of dirt.
This isn't the Benfica I believe in. That's why I'm not Anti-Benfica per se. I'm more of Anti- Luis Felipe Vieira then anything else. I refuse to cheer for Benfica in europe until they prove they are actually portuguese. When Vieira leaves I'll turn in my Anti-Benfica socio card.
Orlando I agree. I honestly think Jorge Jesus is racist against his own race LOLZ. The talent is there though like NJ stated. Jorge Jesus simply is either too much of a coward to try it out or he's a racist douchebag. Which ever the case it is, Benfica are embarrassing us on the international stage. If Micheal Platani disliked how many portuguese Porto had in their 11 (3) ... just imagine what he would think about about Benfica LOLZ.
I don't care about your examples NJ. Ive already sent an email to Uefa in support of regulations. Uefa has to cut an end to this nonsense and has to do so now. If not, then move Benfica to Argentina or Spain please.
Nothing wrong with a bit of impassioned debate, but try and keep the personal attacks to a minimum...this isn't a zoo. At least not a conventional one. Ta.
Ben
Sporting Clube de IMMIGRATES.
your team isn't perfect too sweetheart. u have more brazilans then portuguese players. stop hating when your team is in the same boat internet loser.
I also agree keeping both in a transition year would be great for the club.. but as i stated last year.. I think Vitor can take over that role and is a very smart player. Combined with Garay I think he would do well, Jardel is a good back-up and I think without the spotlight will improve as he showed last year, he has got some game.
As for Bryan just rubbing in the sand.. we all know this is JJ's team and he hates Portuguese, so the pot shots are uncalled for.. not many are happy about the situation.
I personally hope Benfica beats Porto and Sporting in the Liga and loses to a bunch of minnows.. comes in second qualifying for the guaranteed CL spot.. in the process they axe JJ.. and hire a real manager.
I know some will complain but sometimes you have to take a step backward to take two forward.. and my goal isn't to win the Liga.. my goal has always been for a 3rd CL trophy. We all know that won't happen under JJ so it is time to move on.
We add a few players develop a couple of Portuguese players that make CR & Messi look like water boys.. and win a few CL titles.. ushering in a new day into Portuguese Futebol with 3 Clubs battling to the final eight consistently.
Then players from other poor leagues like the Spanish will prefer to play in Portugal because of the great weather.. the passionate atmosphere.. and because they want to win trophies.
Now that is the plan...
Just because a couple of them start a couple of Portuguese it makes them more "patriotic"?
I guess Sporting should have never sold CR7 or Nani, or Benfica Simao or Coentrao, Braga Eduardo, etc...
I can also assume that Real Madrid, Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal, City, Milan, Inter, etc... are all a joke in their countries.
Just for your information, if you take a look at overall club makeup, including players out on loan, Benfica isn't any worse than anyone else.
Please keep in mind that squad sizes differ from team to team, and these are figures for right now. They could change due to the transfer window.
Benfica: 64.4% foreign; Portuguese: 16
Porto: 61.5% foreign (doesn't include Danilo since he's coming in Dec.) Portuguese: 15
Sporting: 63.6% foreign; Portuguese 12
Braga: 63.2% foreign; Portuguese: 15
Guimaraes: 62.5% foreign; Portuguese: 11
Maritimo: 66.7% foreign; Portuguese: 12
Setubal: 42.9% foreign; Portuguese: 20
Nacional: 76.7% foreign; Portuguese: 7
Rio Ave: 30% foreign; Portuguese: 21
Academica: 48.1% foreign; Portuguese 14
Olhanense: 53.3% foreign; Portuguese: 14
Leiria: 62.5% foreign; Portuguese: 12
Beira-Mar: 31.3% foreign; Portuguese: 22
Feirence: 35.7% foreign; Portuguese: 18
Pacos de Ferreira: 51.7% foreign; Portuguese: 14
Gil Vicent: 40.7% foreign; Portuguese: 16
Oh yeah, you mean Benfica doesn't have 1st team players. Oh I guess our youths that are developing shoudln't count. I guess we should buy the older Portuguese players in the league so we "suck" in Europe and League play.
Maybe then we could finish 8th like Rio Ave or 13th ala Beira-Mar and play their entertaining brand of football that crowds are flocking to.
By the way, if UEFA or FIFA demand teams to field a certain amount of players from their home country, our league will collapse. We don't have enough players to sustain that concept. Our very good players would also be stuck in the league where they won't get better by playing better competition. It would get so bad that our League winner won't get a passage into the Champions League, and we would never get two slots, nevermind three.
Why are people so against having our players playing abroad and bringing recognition to our country.
Do people actually think that CR7 would be anywhere near what he is now, if he would have stayed in Portugal?
Reality check folks. He wouldn't be.
Sport Lisboa Clube de IMMIGRATES.
Ben
You're just a bit harsher. Lol.
I still say that we need Luisao to stay. He is the stabilizer at the back. It would be very difficult to turn down 10 mil, and I don't think we would.
As for the Portuguese youngsters, I'm not going to defend the club. I do agree that we look at possible future earnings in regards to players, and the fact is that it's easier and more profitable to sell foreigners.
Please don't mention the huge transfees Portuguese have comanded, since the huge fee was mostly paid to clubs outside of Portugal.
That is no excuse, but a reality.
I personally just want the best players to play. I don't like slotting guys out of position, just because they are good. It almost never works out. AVB will be finding that out sooner than later or his stay at Chelsea will be very short.
I agree that it will be interesting to see the formations and squads that will be used this season.
Witsel and Nolito should be on the field. I'm also very high on Cesar, especially since teamates raved about the quality.
I thought that Aimar would be sold, but much like Luisao, I feel that we need him this season of transition. Meaning he goes for nothing.
I also saw that we are still looking for a striker. I am just hoping that we don't sign Bendtner from Arsenal. Sporting has just denied, means nothing, any contacts but he photographed in Lisboa. I seen enough of him to say that he's awful He misses teh target a ton, and still has a huge ego and wants to get paid. It will be a waste of money.
I know that Rodrigo and Nelson are at the -20 WC, but I would rather give them a shot. I know that Rodrigo is more of a Jara/Nolito type forward (wide) and we are looking for a Cardozo replacement.
Can anyone tell me if Nelson would be more of that mold.
Congrats. Enough said.. Early days...
Sure he scored a wonder goal yesterday but on the left wing he crowds the middle too much and doesn't provide crosses to our real goal scorer in Cardozo and as i mentioned previously he is a no show defensively and cost us huge in the big matches last year because of it. Javi could not cope with no one coming back.. Gaitan, Aimar, and Slavio are strictly offensive part-timers... they are on break whenever the opposition gets the ball.
Now as a 10 I think he is much better suited and would be vastly improved and why his success only comes through the middle.
Take yesterdays game first half with him on the left.. barely noticable second half in the middle and we scored two. Only JJ thinks he is a wide player.. he is not. But then again JJ thinks Aimar is better in the middle.. in the end it all comes down to the managers ability to select the best team, for the opposition.
The only reason you see almost no Portuguese is not because we don't have them, it is because JJ can't see talent in any of them. The reality is that they have all made him look bad.
Vitor was not even supposed to come to camp.. until someone went down injured then he became the best. Nuno Gomes was never supposed to score with only 5 mins left.. Moreira was supposed to look bad in those meaningless games.. Roberto and Cesar were supposed to be better than Quim.. he just gave up on Martins although some like Bento would say he us just as affective as Aimar.. if not better.
It is not about not having talented Portuguese it is about having a Manager that will play them. When NJ & Mdot say we need to win.. and I agree we do need to win the difference is I think we have Portuguese players that can play and we can still win.. that is the difference.
Saviola was not better than Gomes last year..
Moreira was better than the Frangos.. in the end it comes down to management and the truth is JJ gets it wrong not only for the Portuguese players.. he thinks Gaitan is better than Nolito on the wing.. Aimar is better than Gaitan or Cesar... Saviola better than Jara and Uretta.. Javi better than Axel.. and for sure he will think the Spanish Diving Douche is better than Emmerson..
"Making everything look HARD" is his motto
Nolito should've started and once introduced into the game he made an impact immediately.
The Axe also should've started as he has out performed Javi and any of the others.. although like most I think he should have a DM behind him and play in a more forward ball winning role, as he is a great passer and has huge offensive upside.
Many average players starting... Saviola has continued to be off target on pace with last year.. he can't even make a pass when not being marked.. he had a few chances to line up Cardozo for a tap in and missed horribly. He should've been benched last year with a horrendous year. Clearly JJ thinks differently.
Cardozo we all know can't play on his own.. and his goal scoring record has gone down because his partner is incompetent.. we need to see him partnered with someone else up front.. my suggestion would be Jara or Uretta. Although Jara is a hog he can be forced to pass with a good Manager.
Aimar played decent yesterday especially when Nolito was brought in but like Deco over a whole season is a no show most nights. He actually plays really well coming off of the bench, and is where I would have him.
Gaitan is another that some love.. I am not his biggest fan but that is because he is played out of position. He is not a winger and hurts us greatly defensively as he never tracks back. He should start ahead of Aimar where we have cover up the middle.
Enzo is still getting familiar and a knock on him yesterday really hampered him hopefully it isn't serious so we can see more of him. Defensively he looked decent and is known to provide more offence.. and looked like he could pass too. I believe Amorim & Enzo should run along on the right as Amorim is much better in mid and if Amorim can get on the form he was a couple of seasons ago.. he can score some wonderful goals from there.
The Axe should start every game.. not sure where, as he is a good utility player, and depending on the game he can be slotted into many areas.. but the best would be behind a 10 and in front of Javi.
This is a really good squad now with great depth, unfortunately JJ is at the helm so it is strictly down to the players to win us the matches.. fortunately Vieira has bought enough with the Roulette to negate JJ on the bench.
Quite funny JJ is sporting a more Paciencia style hair do.. unfortunately the brains don't come along with it.
I agree with all the others and stated the last few years that we need to change formations depending on the opposition. I always thought Airton should've played with Javi against better squads and the Axe looks like a better version of Airton, but I have a feeling we will rarely see that out of JJ.. again as he has a tendency not to learn from his past mistakes.
We should definitely see the 4-2-3-1 in the next leg but good chance we won't... that would mean he would sit Saviola.. and he never does that.
Overall good game.. Garay looks good and that was the first time ever alongside some of the others.. which is more impressive.
So the defence is shored up with Luisao ( I don't think he will leave), Garay, Maxi, and Emmerson/Spanish Diving Douche.
I like Artur.. yesterday he cut out a couple of crosses that I know Roberto would've stumbled on but have a feeling Eduardo who has embarrassed JJ before will do it again and steal back the starting roll. Either way we look much improved between the pipes this year. So the back is solid..
Now to straighten out the mid and front if we are to win and go deep in all competitions.
I cant believe they even get fans out to watch.
its embarassing.
I know that Cadozo in the past hasn't played well as a lone striker when supported by 2 wingers, but I think that he could do better if Jara supported him to his right like so
--------------------------Cardozo----------------------------------
Gaitan----------------------------------Jara----------------------------
------------------------Aimar---------------------------------------
------------Garcia--------------------Witsel-------------------Maxi
Gaitan should stay wide to provide quality crosses to Cardozo and Jara. Since Jara will be more like a second striker than a winger, Maxi will be able to provide width as a wingback with Witsel there to provide cover. I honestly think that this formation could work because we can still use 2 forwards, but also add Witsel for defensive cover. Axel Witsel is an excellent all around midfielder like Ramires so he should definitely start for Benfica.
I think it’ll be an easier match for us on the away leg. These guys came with the goal of parking the bus but now they need to win by 3-0. They will have to open up and given the talent in our mid-field we should be able to handle them easily and maybe get another 2-0 result.
I also think it’s hard for anyone to say that Nico hasn’t matches or surpassed Di Maria’s talent within less time at our club. He was great last year and I only expect him to bring even more to the team. The big difference between the two is that Nico has been extremely flexible at playing on the left, centre, or right, he’s a very well rounded player.
As for all the Portuguese player comments I do agree that it’s disappointing that most quality Portuguese players do not want to play at our league. Just look at players like Quaresma which would rather be at a small club in Turkey than at Benfica, Sporting, or Porto. It’s just plain sad. I am excited with the massive amount of Portuguese youth players we have but I know as soon as they show any talent they’ll go after money like Bruno Alves going to Russia. Maybe if UEFA does pass those rules it will also stop foreign clubs from offering so much to foreigners and they’ll want to stay in our league. In the meantime I would rather start Nico over David Simao because the talent level is day and night, the point of clubs is to win titles, not develop national team talent.
Platini has to inforce some sort of 4or5 homegrown players on the starting XI. I agree that this is embarassing not seeing any portuguese players on the field other than Amorim.
Not only will this force Portuguese teams but also English teams to produce talent. Most ChampionLeague teams don't have many homegrown talent on their starting XI just look at Chelsea, Inter, Real, Porto just to name a few.
I agree with you that moving the game to the bigger stadium may actually hurt Trabzonspor. I believe that their home stadium holds around 20,000, but they only averaged 3,462 and that's with 3 sell outs. Ouch.
The confines will much better at a bigger empty stadium.
I find it refreshing and surprising that so many Benfiquistas are in agreement of the 4-2-3-1 formation for the return leg. It will be interesting to see who will sit up top. Cardozo has been innefective when playing alone up top.
For all the midfield talent that we seem to have, it all mostly falls on the middle of the field.
I thought that Javi also had a good match, especially in being aggressive. Putting Witsel along side of him for the return leg would be a good thing.
I figure that Nolito will once again come off the bench. Nico will start on the left, I just wonder who will be on the right. I hope that Perez is ok. I want to see more of him, because he looked a bit tentative at times. I don't want to see Cesar on the right, since he would be out of position.
I didn't mention it before but Garay seemed to tire. At one point, he was unable to track back in time.
As for Amorin being the only Portuguese player, he started just because Maxi cam back so late.
As a Benfiquista looking at the squad, I realize that there will be no Portuguese in the starting lineup. The only Portuguese subs that could see time would be Vitor or Amorin.
I know that I'm in the minority on this one, but I really don't care. I just want us to win.
I also feel better about it due to the promissing young Portuguese that we have that will most likely go back out on loan. Mika, Almeida, Faria, Simao, Pinto, Coelho and Nelson could prove vital in the coming years.
It's club football time now, not Seleccao. None of these youngsters would be on the squad anyways. Let them develop.
This is a great opportunity now for JJ to try a 4-2-3-1 formation for the second leg, with a lead to protect. A lot of others seem to be writing in about this formation, and we all seem to think that this should be Benfica's formation away from home in tougher matches. Try out Witsel and Garcia together, with a playmaker ahead of them. This will give us more control in the midfield, and more protection against counter attacks. Nolito must surely start the second leg now after the impact he made. Good to see Emerson starting so well, we now have have two good options for left back. And if Luisao stays, him and Garay could form a solid central defence. Things are shaping up...
Although the goal he scored was wonderful, I'm not sure I would give the man of the match to Nico. It was Witsel's work that that got him the ball.
As I thought he would, Nolito made an impact when he came in. I know that there's concern of him taking it one on one too much, but he does create space for others. Great body control in his goal.
I thought that Emerson was key on the defensive end in the 1st half, and Luisao was just as important in the 2nd. I hope that the Captain stays.
Artur was better the 2nd half. Great job in keeping his head on the backheel outbounds. Also, a very nice save from close range.
I thought that Cardozo didn't play well. His first touch and passing let him down.
I also thought that Maxi came on and tried to do too much. Forced the issue when a cross was in order several times.
Perez was also lackluster for me.
I figured that Jara would have come on if Maxi was available and ready for the whole match.
All in all a good team effort, and the 2-0 win is huge. The clean sheet is huge. It's not easy to go into Turkey and try to get a result.
A lot of work to do, but it's a good start.
How the question still remains? What the hell is the FPF or even UEFA going to do about the regulations regarding how many foreign non european players can play in the starting 11. Benfica had no Portuguese players at all in the second half. It's embarrassing.
Benfica should have had a penalty
Benfica dominated this game possesion wise.
Nolito has been great for us, I think he should start next time. I also would like to see Witsel start cause he looks like some player.
Gaitan really didnt play well at all, but that goal was quality!
Hopefuly Benfica get into the champions league and rack up some points for Portugal's Uefa places!
Carrega Benfica!
I was very impressed with Garay. He and Luisao played very well together. Amorim wasn't great so when super Maxi came in, we improved. Emerson was solid defensively and he was ok, but not great going forward.
Garcia played well as the holding midfielder, but I still think he would be at his best with Witsel. Perez showed some good touches at first, but as the game progressed, his passing was sloppy and he was taken off. Gaitan scored a beautiful goal, but when he played on the left wing, he tucked in way to much instead of providing quality crosses for Cardozo. Aimar had a good game and his assist was a moment of magic.
Cardozo was disappointing and Saviola was ok. Nolito came in and impressed yet again.
We played well, but we could have done much better.
In the second half Benfica's class shone through. I really enjoyed Nolito's goal, I have a feeling he is going to be something special. Around the 60th minute the pace really intensified and then the combo between Witsel and Gaitan was fantastic. Gaitan's shot was impressive, there was almost no way the keeper could have got his hands on it. I think Witsel is another one to keep an eye on.
Anyways, onwards and upwards. I like the cushion Benfica has going into the second leg in Turkey. Now we need Nacional and Guimaraes to deliver. One game at a time.
As for Benfica, we are dominating the match. Trabzonspor is content on staying back, compact and everyone behind the ball.
Players that are showing well:
- Emerson has been playing the best for Benfica. Good pace and great anticipation. He has come through on several difficult spots. Also looks good going forward.
- Garay looks confident on the ball, and just needs more familiarity with teamates.
- Saviola looks very active
Players that have disapointed:
- Nico keeps pinching in and crowding Aimar. At one point Portuguese announcers blamed Emerson for not making himself available but it was Nico who ran himself into trouble. Not good enough, from him.
- Cardozo is non existant and had too many bad touches for someone who hasn't missed training.
- Aimar hasn't touched it enough
Soso:
- Perez seems hesitant. Again, should be more fluid since he's been here a while.
- Artur came flying out for a ball he had no business going for. Luckly he got to it.
- Saviola looks active.
Just my opinion as what has taken place.
I would love to see Nolito be brought asap.
Like NJ says no excuses.. it will be interesting to see who Mini-Mehhh plays..
Nolito should've definitely started but I am sure because of his stellar play he will go out on loan...lol
What I find amusing is that JJ sent Eduardo on loan at Braga.. now he has been forced to take him back at Benfica... after he was already successful.. and might be on the way down.. although I personally think he will make JJ look stupid again.
Although I don't think that is a difficult proposition with Mini- Mehh the mental midget of Managers in the Liga.
A good manager doesn't have to parade on the touchline like a clown.. his job was done way before the match was even scheduled. He should be relaxed throughout.. and should beat the opposing players on the field.. not after the game. Can they ban him already like Q so we can see an improvement?
Definitely enough talent in the squad.. but it is always interesting with JJ at the helm.. as he manages by the pay cheque and not the talent.
Being a Euro match he will try to show his genius.. maybe we will see Luisao as striker and Cardozo as the DM.
Some will say I am pessimistic.. but truth is I am a realist.. I still think Benfica will win because those players are way too good for his incompetence.. unless like me they are tired of carrying his dumb ass.
JJ should consider the tag-line of : Making everything look difficult.
As his greatest ability.
I look forward to the day JJ is fired like a fat kid looking in the window of a chocolate factory.. with anything he wants free.