When we had the early slip up, I was really worried. But unlike last year, we righted the ship and are in a nice groove right now.
Keep in mind that we had tough CL qualifers to win as well.
History shows that it's very hard to go on the road and get a win, especially early on. Big win.

The fact is that JJ needs to be given credit at this time.
Can he or will he say some stupid comments going forward? He could, and I'll lambast him then.

Orlando, just because I think that Matic, Cesar, Nolito, Rodrigo and even Perez are very good players and will be critical this season, it doesn't mean they should start now.
As for example, Javi is our hammer at he's doing an overall good job. Play will also get better as he develops a rythum with Axel.

Let me add that besides the goal that Giggs scored, I think that the goals that were given up weren't his fault alone. Mostly it was due to a lapse in concentration in the backline. The other thing that people seem to forget, is that opponents score good goals. Let's give them some credit.

Lastly, I don't get the fascination with Miguel Vitor. Last season he played for Leicester City in Britains Championship League. By everybody's account, he had a good season. But looking at it deeper, Leicester gave up 71 goals in 46 games last year. That puts them at the bottom of the table for that stat. Granted, goals come in all ways, and the center backs aren't always to blame.
He had one, 1, good game for Benfica in the pre-season. In his other matches he was ok.
If you go and take a look, Jardel had as good a pre-season.
This debate seems to be more about playing a Portuguese player, instead of a foreign one.
Garay is by far the better selection, and he is looking more and more comfortable.
I'll say it again, it's never in the best interest on any squad to rotate the backline, especially the centerbacks, early on.

In regards to Capdevilla, I was in agreement with teh experience that he could bring. But once again, he came in late, and for all we know he has been less than stellar in training. If he thought that his name was going to earn him a spot, he's sadly mistaken.
He still may show his worth and get his shot, or we will get something for him come January.
There's a reason he was let go on a free transfer, with time left on his contract.

As for Rodrigo, I still think that he will see more time, and get to show himself. We have the Taca and Coffee Cup, where we will need him.
Saviola could also see himself gone in January if teh Saudis come calling.

As you have said, Orlando, we mostly agree. I think where you differ from others, is that you are going on the attack on JJ, when it's not necessary.
You give your opinion on tactics and selection, without calling him a buffoon. There will be plenty of time for told you so, if it presents itself.
Foe now, enjoy, big guy.

I guess we're just on two different wavelengths and we'll likely agree to disagree.

I just want to add that I don't think a star coach or player will win you titles. I think it's all about overall club stability that creates winners. Having the same core coach, players, president, etc... Look at Barca/ManU, they keep their core intact and therefore any new players/staff have an easier time fitting in. Look at Real/Chelsea, consistent turnover and in the past several years they have little titles to show for given the 100's of millions they've spend.

Looking at our league, Porto has done well over recent years because they keep most of their core staff/coaches/players. Typically when a coach leaves it's an assistant coach that knows the club that comes on to take over. For a few years when Sporting was able to keep some of it's key players and had Bento as a coach, they were always close to winning titles, in some cases they missed out by just a couple of points. Then look at Benfica pre-JJ years, we kept turning over our management which would turn over our players and a good season was coming in 2nd at best. Before JJ took over we couldn't make it to the group stage of the EL and were barely taking 4th place which was a joke for a club of our status.

So I think having players that have been on the team for sometime, the same coaching staff, and president does make a big difference. I feel more confident in our club this season then I did at this point in the 09/10 season. I just get the feeling that the club is better organized. I love the depth JJ has been able to build and the juniors we have look very promising. At this rare we should be able to compete for titles for a few back to back years.

You dislike Saviola, Nico, and Javi. Yet I think they are great players.

Nico in his first two seasons has easily passed what Di Maria did for us in his first two. Nico has already shown many times his ability to produce great goals from outside the box. Also the kid can play left, centre, or right. It's great to have such a flexible player.

I'll agree Saviola is no where close to his former goal scoring force. Last year with two strikers he almost seemed useless. This year JJ is mainly using 1 striker with additional support, Saviola maybe lacking in goals but his assists are increasing. He knows how to handle the ball and provide great passes/plays around the box. I think part of the reason Cardozo is scoring again is because Saviola and Nico are feeding him great passes.

As for Javi I think the guy is just a rock. He's a good size, plays up and down the field. Sometimes he does get overwhelmed but overall he's been a great team player. When I watch games and he's on the field, I don't get too worried. Last year we had a CB Sid/Jardel that kept getting out of position which would leave Javi hanging on his own at times. Garay has been quite but he's sticking to his position which should help Javi out.

Then it is LFV for this rise in Benfica fortunes over the last 3 seasons.. a couple of years ago that squad that barely won a weak Liga was one of the 10 best in Europe and we got dumped out of Europe because JJ liked to make some weird starting line-up choices. That was his best season.

My problem with JJ is his valuation of players.

Also if you look at his perceived starting line-up it was based on the players he played the most and almost identical to his starting day line-up.

I will remind most on opening day Cardozo, Nolito, Axel, Matic, Rodrigo, Oliveira, Cesar, were no where to be found in the starting line-up.

As I stated the pundits like Javi,Gaitan, & Emerson.. so when he includes them although they wouldn't be my first choice I still think it is considered a good move. What I can't stand is how he values players like Saviola, & Gaitan over others who are far superior.

So when people are complaining about a poor result and I point out the obvious.. especially when people like Andre think JJ has learned something.. when in the context of his own conversation he was contradicting himself. I of course will pipe up. Sorry Andre we like you but disagree.

The tactics were right JJ should've gone with two up front with a more offensive squad.. against this Romanian squad.. and it was a good result.. it was just made agonizingly close because of JJ. But wouldn't it be wiser to play Cesar at least up top in front of Aimar next to Cardozo instead of Saviola who contrary to Andre's thoughts is totally finished. His inability to make simple passes most of the time is what hurts Benfica's offence most of all.

JJ's valuations are wrong..

Nolito is greater than Gaitan, I appreciate they play opposite each other at times.. but the fact is Gaitan starts every game so when Nolito gets benched it proves the valuation.

Saviola is not even good enough for the reserve squad although he has only missed one match. Yet both Rodrigo & Oliveira who came back on fire from the U20 and with great momentum have only recently got minutes (Rodrigo).. Oliveira is now injured too. I would rather see Cesar or Aimar or Gaitan next to Cardozo.

As for Vitor he did get hurt and has been back for a long time.. ready to play with no action again like last year where he has proven to be better than others... he will not start and will move on in January. It is not that I don't like Garay he is a good playerand is improving every game and once he & Luisao sort themselves he is a good player. Never said he wasn't.. but on performance so far this season Vitor is better.

My point always goes back to valuation of the talent.. a managers job is to play the best teams and get the best results..which means rotating players at times but certain core players shouldn't change. That is why I pick on JJ. He on purpose goes contrary to the pundits because he wants to prove that he is a genius, and that it is his squad. His selections are not the best and some of selections in important spots are wrong.

So contrary to Forcaslb who shares my love for Paulo Sousa the greatest Defensive Portuguese midfield player...

He says I am repeating myself.. although he hasn't learned I do it on a game by game basis.. last weekend I praised JJ.. must've missed it Forca.. I wasn't even upset by this result but after hearing people whine about how the result was bad against a weak squad.. I stated the obvious that the lack of offence and finishing came from the squad selected to start.

Answer me this Forca what is the statute of limitations on murder. If you shoot someone will the police not arrest you.. if you shoot another will they not jail you again.. and another... will the same result not occur repeatedly.

So on a game by game basis when we as fans discuss the game as this is a discussion forum of sorts.. when JJ makes the same fatal errors I will continue to bring them up as others complain about the team play. The answers are obvious to me.. and it is not always the same posters every day on here.

Not sure if you caught all the games early but JJ's starting line-up that I posted was the players he leaned on most early and resembled very much his opening squad. It doesn't take a degree in planetary science to see who JJ trots out there on a regular basis.. and those he left out to start.

You all make it seem like it was a stroke of genius his inclusion of Nolito, Axel, Cesar, Cardozo.. etc...his plan was different.. he was forced through poor evaluation to reconsider his selections.. and like I said bar injuries towards the end of the season you will see more of my squad.. because they are the better players as they were the pundits favourites also for the most part.... and like Coentrao they will force their way on this team through talent and hard work.

NJ who agrees with me on most of my points refutes them and praises JJ. He even goes a long way to make excuses for JJ for why he made the poor selections. Reading as many articles to come up with excuses to why it is what it is.

fact is all those players except for Eduardo & Oliveira who haven't got any games outplayed JJ's residents enough to create excuses in the press. A Manager will defend himself.

NJ, Vitor was injured in pre-season and was back and ready for game one.. NJ likes Cardozo, Nolito, Cesar, Matic, concedes that Gaitan never defends, admitted that he was shocked how great Vitor was in pre-season.. likes Capedevila, thinks the kids should get a shot too.

We even agree that it was the right tactics for the game and that a 1-0 result away in the Champions League is a great result.

All we disagree on really is JJ.

NJ resistance is futile.. you will be assimilated...lol

You want to thank someone.. thank LFV he has bought some real studs..

The squad he put together 2 years ago and this one which is getting close to the quality of the other is exceptional. On both occasions it took JJ too long to figure out who the best players were.. resulting in lost points.. and in big games he has screwed with the starting line-ups which ended badly in key games. It is still early into this season it is a long season with many competitions.. so it is still too early...

NJ I find it amusing since you didn't think AVB was that hot last year but now with only Falcao gone and AVB I think you are starting to appreciate his skill as well as that of Falcao who is one of the best strikers I ever saw play in Portugal.. he really scored some magnificent goals for Porto.

Mdot you make a lot of points and I am glad you are happy.. I never said I wasn't either.. just don't think it should be so difficult to win. Not with these squads anyways. We have great depth at each position.. this is a team that could go a long way in all competitions.

Sorry but Sporting had way more turnover in players and a new Manager there is no comparison to Benfica who still have the bulk of their starting squad from last year. 7 of our starters depending on the day started last year.

I would take Paciencia in a heart beat.. over JJ.. I just think people are overjoyed because JJ is nowehere as incompetent as some of the bums that were here managing previously.

Let me explain it this way.. if you had a million dollar home on sale.. and everyone made an offer of 100K does that mean you jump for joy when someone offers you 500K? No it is a million dollar home..

Well this Benfica squad is much better than the results so far. Are the results decent.. sure are.. but should we be doing better. Most definitely.

"Yet JJ has had to deal with almost the same amount of transfers, our club is tied for first in the league, not in 6th like Sporting. "

Braga is tied for 1st but you dont see me boasting about how great Jardim is. Its the begginning of the season for goodness sakes. Sporting are 3 points behind 1st. To pretend that thats not significant is a joke. Im make it simple for you to understand. If Benfica chokes once Sporting has their chance. As Orlando says, its bound to happen with Jorge Jesus.

I was about to go nuts, due to the "sky is falling" mentality after a Champions League 1-0 away win. AWAY WIN!!!

We have a wonderful and deep squad, which should allow us to remain fresh and compete on all fronts. But that will also cause the pundits to question every lineup.
Not every game is going to be a masterpiece, or a blowout. But that doesn't mean that a 1-0 win was disapointing, or for that matter a 3-0 win is great. I have seen plenty of 3-0 wins that came very late, Inter comes to mind, where the winning team looked awful.
Benfica controlled the game yesterday, and that's what you want. Yes, we could and should have scored another, but it didn't come. As for the pressure we took on late in the match, it's expected. You always have to absorb those at some time in the match. The fact is that they didn't score, and a draw would have been unfair.
Otelul had 2 shots on target. They were both right at Artur.
A job well done by all, including JJ.

As for player selection, we were coming off a tough match verse Porto. I don't mind Aimar sitting, and not coming on since we were leading. If anything, I thought that Rodrigo could have come on for Cardozo, when Nolito was introduced. I would have liked to have seen those two and Nico work an attack.

Newbies:
I am a huge fan of Matic, and truely believe that he will be a force and enrich our coffers. That being said, Javi should start. he has looked late on the ball on a few occasions, but remember that on more than a few occasions he is or doesn't mind fouling. Unlike Martins who would cripple someone because he lost the ball.

In Bruno's case. everyone praised his quality all pre-season, and I too questioned why he wasn't being played. Then it comes out by the players own adimission that he was was having a hard time adjusting. Late for training and meetings. Different training methods and schedule also bothered him. He has now settled in and we can expect to see more of him, no?

Enzo got injured, and is going to be out.

Axel just goes about his job. Just because he seems to disapear during matches, it doesn't mean he has. his job is to keep the ball heading back towards the opposition, and he's done that well. Just needs to be more in sinc with Javi.


Nolito was announced early, but didn't come into training until late, if I remember correctly.
Capdevilla, didn't have any preseason at all. I thought he was a good signing due to his experience, but by all accounts he was out of shape and expected his "name" to get him the lineup. He was also a free transfer. we might actually get something for him from Juve. By the way, there's a reason why he was let go for free. That being said, I'm still hoping that he buckles down and shows himself. But by his agents comments it seems as if that's not going to be the case.

I for one like Emerson, who keeps looking better and better. He had trouble with Hulk, you say. Coentrao did as well, as have others.

Artur has played well, and Eduardo had Roberto type year at Genoa. Enough said. Let me add that I still think that Roberto made some amazing saves for us last year. The problem was that simple ones got by him. As fans we also need to remind ourselves that Quim the previous season had faced a lot less shots.

Rodrigo and Oliveira spent a ton of time with the Int's squads. They weren't even available.
Miguel had one, one, very good game in the preseason. Then he got hurt. By the way Jardel also had a decent preseason.
Garay has also gotten better with every game. the most imporatnt thing for the backline is for them to work as one. Moving players in and out, is a huge no no.

As for the old guard, I've always praised Cardozo. His goals would be very hard to replace.
I still think that if the Saudi's come calling, Saviola will be gone in January.
Aimar looks envigorated, and Nico looks better as well. I like that he has been able to move around and still preform. Yes he lacks defensive attributes, but we have coverage now.
This squad, as Mdot as pointed out, has 5 new starters and if needed 4 key subs are also new to the squad.
It's not easy for a manager, just go ask Paciencia.

Im not sure how Saviola starting the first pre-season games meant JJ had him penciled in as the starter the whole season....but thats just me. In fact im not sure how any pre-season line up indicates who will and who wont start when meaningful games begin. To say or insuate that JJ's first starting 11 of the pre-season was going to be his "go to line-up" is hilarious. How do you know Orlando? Did you hear him say this to someone while in Seixal. And seriously you still rant about Edurado? And Matic, the way you talk about him you'd think he was the second coming of Paolo Sousa (my favorite player for a time, a finer number 6 I cant remember, saw him score in a post season game at varisty stadium in Toronto against Ac Milan. Ill also never forget watching the Ac Milan bus role into the stadium and see Marco Van Basten looking down right at me..but anyway Paulo Sousa turned into a traitor, scum, judas, christian rodriguez, garbage). Orlando, I agree with many things you say, infact my orginal starting 11 before the season started on Planet Benfica is almost identical to yours. And yes, JJ drives me up the wall sometimes with some of the things he does....but every one of your posts is the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again! For me, you'll never get anywhere with the Matic, Eduardo, or Capdevila argument, you can spend the whole season writing about it...blah blah blah!

All in all I didn't have an issue with the line up for today's game. I'm like many people who'd like to Rodrigo play more especially when we sit Aimar. The kid does what I think all great attackers do which is go at the defense with speed. Too often players slow down the game in order to attempt to get a better view of what's in front of them and allow others to join the attack. When the appropriate tactic is to pressure the defense. Let's be honest it's not often that they face gifted defenders who can handle that kind of relentless pressure. The team really didn't play a bad game as much as the link play didn't work out as well as it should. SLB certainly controlled the play. Artur what can I say there hasn't been a watchman that makes the spectacular and routine saves with such consistency. Hands down the best transfer from the summer window, no argument. Emerson is becoming more and more confident and comfortable playing with Gaitan and Nolito. Garay is taking notes from Luisao, time will tell the from he's able to maintain. He certainly has the class to B's a fixture. Maxi is Maxi barely missed on what might have been goal of the early year for Benfica. Cesar had another wonderful goal on another beauty of a chip from Nico, the timing was perfect. Saviola and Cardozo looked tired, which is where the play stalled in my opinion. Cardozo to be at his best needs fresh strong legs so he can work and combine with Aimar, Cesar, Nico, and Nolito. Saviola and Cardozo are both players who need to play and that is where the dilemma lies. When they're on the sideline they're miserable and malcontent. Hence why since they've both been there we rarely see youngsters up top. The subs were appropriate considering what was at stake when they came on. While there are many who dislike or should I say don't appreciate the value Amorim brings to the club and how we will need him to regain his form. He is a very good overall player with tremendous versatility. Like I said earlier Rodrigo needs to see more time on the pitch and JJ knows it too. I just wish we owned him. He'd be a 50m transfer. Lastly Nolito came on and flashed some spark, but I'm glad he got some rest with Aimar as they will be counted on over and over this year. This team is only scratching the surface of what they will be by seasons end.

Força Benfica.

I apologize now because I will probably be more curt than I intended to be after I lost my initial post when I clicked on a page and then hit the back short cut of alt+ back arrow.. and it changed the wrong page which was the one my post was on.

Anyone that has lost an email or long post online will understand my veracity over the matter.

Unfortunately I will never be able to recreate the eloquent message I was sending.. but let me try.

Andre & Co.. you go on about how much JJ has learned yet he is still making the same mistakes he always has... it was the champions league and he did not start his best line-up.

Andre is a great guy but:

"JJ is proving more and more that he has learned from the bad mistakes of last season, when he tried to play beautiful attacking football every game, home and away, and believed he could win every match that way."

He chose to use two strikers.. I guess that was his way of playing defence.. away. Although I can appreciate how you thought it was defensive since Saviola is so incompetent.

Let's look at the starting squad that was intended by JJ from the beginning of the season to see his brilliance..

Saviola

Gaitan Aimar Perez

Javi Amorim

Emerson Garay Luisao Maxi

Artur

After watching the pre-season and with my knowledge of the squad my starting line-up from opening night was this:

Cardozo Kid (Rodrigo & Oliveira)
Nolito Cesar ( Aimar) Witsel

Matic

Capedevila Vitor Luisao Maxi

Eduardo

Now I like Garay and Artur so this is not a shot at them but to this day I still think the others are better.. even if they are good.Besides Nolito no one had a better start than Vitor who got injured.

As you can see the deeper the season goes the more JJ's squad will look like mine.. it is not that I am a genius savant.. any retard would've picked most of the players I did if they watched the pre-season games and went on past form.

The kids Rod, Oli, & Mika will barely get a chance even though they were on fire to start. Should've sent them on loan.. to get playing time.. and continue their excellence.. like a good fire they were allowed to burn out.. in the night through incompetence. When they move in January they won't even be able to kick a ball.

Let's look at Benfica's top two players this year.. Nolito & Cardozo.. I believe 90% would agree with me.. as they should considering in combined games they have 9 goals in 10 games. Cardozo although he is jeered and booed at home is on a goal a game.. Saviola gets no boos at home.. no wonder Bryan insults these tools. They have no clue in the stands.

On the other hand between Gaitan in 6 games, Saviola in 5, and Aimar in 6, they each have one goal.. combining for 3 goals in the most minutes.

Bruno Cesarhas played in 5 games but only 207 minutes which is slightly over a full two games has 3 goals.. better than any of those excess parts combined.

When questioned about the starting line-up and JJ's starters most responseswere as was my dad's who repeated what the announcers on the radio and tv said.. that Nolito was down in form and that Gaitan was better.

Wow shocking how a guy with more goals than JJ's best starting line combined.. is under-performing. Especially when he plays both sides of the ball.. contrary to Gaitan who never defends. Case in point last weeks match with Porto where the short ball was played to Gaitan's boy who fed Varela who beat Emerson for a tap in that led to the 2nd goal.

What a coaching genius it was to move Nolito a two way player to the opposite wing to help Maxi so that Gaitan could help Emerson with Hulk... sheer retardation at its best.

Funny also how Nuno Gomes who was too retarded to continue has the same amount of goals as JJ's super starters (hilarious how the acronym for his top players is S.A.G.) in the same amount of games.

Gomes was surplus last year when he scored 6 goals in 90 mins and yet in 1914 mins last season Saviola only managed 9 in prime time. Definitely it was Gomes that was retarded.. not JJ.

Quim was also surplus and has let in less goals than Artur and way less than Roberto who was hand picked by JJ.

JJ got one line-up right and that was against Porto last weekend.. that was his first in 3 years.. it is not rocket science and I am only counting it on my selection it is the consensus squad.

The majority think Emerson should play and that javi is good.. personally both wouldn't make it past my reserve squad... so even when I said he got one line-up right I was only comparing it to the pundits & fans choice.

Nolito is our best player.. Cardozo is the next.. the next is Cesar.. and then Witsel..none of which were in JJ's projected line-up.

I hear about how JJ integrates so many new players.. into a squad when each of our best forced their way on against his will.

Coentrao acouple of years ago was meant to get loaned until he smoked DiMaria in all of pre-season and still got benched behind Peixoto who after we failed early got injured and then after a national report where Quieroz told JJ to play Coentrao at LB he did so to appease fans. He did it to prove them wrong.
RRRRRREEEEETTTAAAARRRDDD

This is not skill it is egg on face.. repeatedly.

Now when you are used to the incompetence before him JJ looks good.. but even this JJ proof squad as I called it at the beginning of the year.. has turned out not to be.

So I am glad we got a result against a team you all said we would blow out.. and I said wouldn't be so easy.. and I appreciate that Basel will be a challenge even though we should beat them easily with the right starting squad.

Unfortunately with JJ at the helm.. a Swiss team is feared.. over two legs. An attacking offence is considered a smart defensive squad.. and failure is success on most nights.

Like I said to start the season JJ's motto is:

Making Everything Look Hard.. Consistently.. and Easily.

So although this is another classic episode of Lowered Expectations and you have a date with an ugly scunt ( which is no relation to the word you think it is- it means dumb ass) and you are all excited at the prospects of failing in a positive way.. just know that we will laugh at you.. repeatedly.

Joao/Holanda: "Benfica managed to win away in Europe AND keep a clean sheet?!
Are there any sightings of flying pigs in Bucharest?"

No, worse! Otelol Galati is in champions league! One more "clapclap" to Platini! I think that the attendance on this "champions league match" was lower than in Naval - Portimonense.

john/slb: "as for CHUTA CHUTA bruno damn the guy wont stop scoring"

err 3 goals in 8 app.?


Still I've not figured out if the group last year was easier than this one. Basel is probably stronger than Happoel, but it's hard to know with Man U playing only with youngster and alternate players.
Anyway, congratulations, more points for Portugal.

I couldn't watch the game, but I heard we were not at our best. At least we got a win and that's what's important. Basel is proving that they can compete so our next 2 games are crucial. It will be difficult, but Benfica is more than capable of beating Basel home and away. If they can win 3 of their remaining 4 games, they could top the group.

From what little i could see with my dodgy livestream full of freezing and interruption...it wasn't pretty. But in the champions league a win is a win, especially away from home. JJ is proving more and more that he has learned from the bad mistakes of last season, when he tried to play beautiful attacking football every game, home and away, and believed he could win every match that way. It backfired badly in the champions league last year. This season, in both of the opening matches he has used a lot more intelligence in being more cautious and sacrificing some of the jogo bonito elements in order to get a positive result. And in both matches it worked. Hats off to JJ, unlike a lot of people I now believe he's the right man to coach our club.

And with Man United unbelievably blowing a 2-0 lead and only just rescuing a point in the end, this group is wide open now. And I definitely believe that the group is winnable for SLB now. We just have to make sure now that we get the better over Basel in the back-to-back matches coming up with them. 4 points from those 2 matches and we'd be in a great position to qualify. But let me not get ahead of myself. But yeah to sum up, there are rarely any easy tasks in the Champs League...everyone looked at this group and thought: Man U first, Benfica second...now it ain't as clear as that anymore. Who knows, even Galati may still have a say in what happens in the end. Interesting stuff!!