Paulo & MDot i think you confused my metaphor of your slutty wife that you were protecting (JJ) for a personal insult.

I know Tom and Co.. would not post what I said if they thought I was personally insulting MDots wife, I think they understood my tongue in cheek way of insulting JJ as a slutty wife.

When I read back the post I could see how easily it could be misconstrued especially about the part where I said your wife was complaining.. I was just carrying on the metaphor.

Sorry.. I was not insulting your wife.. just insulting JJ. BTW glad you appreciate the Lowered Expectations bit..I thought it was quite funny..lol

Also Mdot I think you are confusing my complaining about JJ's player selection to him shifting people.. I am only upset by his selections of who the better players are. For me it seems like he always chooses the lower quality players. The other day against Twente I was praising him for the best selection this year until he brought on Saviola.

I also totally agree that a team needs consistency in management I just would like it to be a great manager, hence my complaining.. and I am not the only one.. there is a long line-up also in the press that can't stand him.

We can all agree that Benfica's management has been very poor for a long time but we aren't done fixing yet I feel.

Now NJ I can appreciate we are a selling club and I believe I have mentioned that on a few recent posts but let me ask you a few questions..

Who would sell for more if they were playing well and regular?

Saviola or either of Rodrigo or Nelson Oliveira?

Javi Garcia or Danilo Perreira?

Aimar or Cesar?

Nolito and or Axel or Gaitan?

Artur or Eduardo and or Mika?

Can you see my point JJ isn't necessarily playing the players that would gain the top dollar. Truth is he could sell Cardozo for more money than Saviola and he still started Saviola to start.

As for Matic being better than Axel.. I personally think Matic is a direct replacement for Javi not Axel who is better suited supporting the AM in midfield. Axel for me is exceptionally better.

I also agree that Benfica are better than they have been although I still think that squad two years ago was better.. for now.. give it a year and maybe not.

That team had a high flying Cardozo, Saviola, DiMaria, Ramires, Javi, Luisao, Luis, Maxi, and Coentrao not too shabby just imagine if they had landed Falcao too..

Also I did read the Cesar interview on Record.. quite funny how the new players don't even know when they are practising, the communication from the manager and team must be quite clear.

Funny since he understands Portuguese and the Manager can communicate with him clearly.

He never stated he did it on purpose in the interview he states that he was unaware there was a practice at all. Guess who would be to blame for that or is it the job of the inmates to run the prison?

But I appreciate that none of you could really disagree with the majority of my points.. beyond Cesar who I agreed would probably not start the way Aimar has been playing.

You just disagree on my view of JJ.

I will stop bashing JJ the day he finally manages a game the way it should e with the best players playing from the options he has.

I have been waiting for a while, I thought it was the other day against Twente until he brought Saviola on. Then he not only sucked but coughed up a ball that led to a goal.. cue rant.

Orlando, I get your points, and like you mentioned I don't exactly disagree.
What we tend to forget as well, is that we are still a selling club/league. Benfica can go on and even win the CL and we would still be a selling league.
For example, there's a ton of clubs right now looking for forward help, and big clubs at that. Putting Rodrigo in the bench automatically maintains if not increases his value. As it has been mentioned, he also has an EPL track record, that would drive his price. If JJ kept him off, he would be looked upon as not being in the clubs plans, lowering his cost or loan amount.
By the way, I think that Rodrigo could do very well for Benfica, especially the way we have been moving the ball. Saviola doesn't have the pace he once had, and his first touch has semmed to have left him.

JJ picks the lineup put there's always a little bird in his ear in regards to market values and expectations.

Furthermore, if Witsel starts the whole season and Benfica does well, would it surprise anyone if he was sold. I'm happy that Matic should be there to step right in.
I'm sure I'm not the first to say that he'll be even better. Just my opinion.

We aren't in the training ground and we tend to forget that. Some players have also earned the right to be given extra rope. We may not like it, but that's the way teams are run.

Let me add that nobody is more critical of Benfica than Benfica fans. Sometimes it's a bad thing and sometimes it's a good thing.

Since it was brought up, I don't think that Sporting should be given any slack what-so-ever. They should have never have fallen has far as they did. They are Portugals 2nd biggest team, whether Porto fans like it or not. I may hate Sporting but I know how important they are to Portuguese football. Even at their worst, they are still called "Portuguese Giants" when introduced abroad. You can't buy that kind of history.

Just so I don't get killed, understand I respect Porto a ton. They are a great organization from top to bottom. Their class has showed through year in year out. They've created a wonderful story, historically, in a fairly quick time .

I don't want to delve into personal insults and I think this is not what this blog is for.
I just read bits of an interview from Bruno César in A Bola and actually NJ beat me to it, but it still a very relevant disclosure of information.
The fact is that we are not with the players every day of every week., we don't how the players behave in training, regardless of how good they appear to be.
Orlando Mac, this is the one thing I would say to you, and only regarding César, if the guy was coming in late all the time did he deserve to be selected in the first eleven? Could it not be that now that he is becoming adapted and is more disciplined we are starting to see him come in? JJ slowly bringing him in and see how he does, making him win his place in the team?
Regardless of JJ's criticism in the past I shall judge him on what he does this year. So far, no problem. And he seems to want to give Rodrigo a chance, maybe he'll give N Oliveira a chance too but let's be honest, Rodrigo has had Premier League experience. Jara, thankfully, has been shipped off, he had plenty of chances.

Now everyone is entitled to an opinion.. but it seems when you are told your girlfriend is a douche and banging all the bad boys that at first it is unbelievable.

The natural reaction is to defend her but as she has more and more late nights at work, and weird bruises and scratches start appearing.. maybe it hurts.. maybe there is a knee jerk reaction.

Fact is if you had listened to your friend who cared more about you then her.. you wouldn't have got the clap.

Now I care players and managers will come and go.. but we all stay.

So attempted slanders like I am a Porto fan.. when they have trophies to be proud are stupid if it meant to hurt me.

Unlike some of the posters here I don't accept poor performances.. I don't accept just getting by when we have spent more money than anyone else on a regular basis.

So as usual and what makes me most popular is that I will refute the major points with facts and it will upset you all because you know it to be true.

Your girlfriend is a slut and most likely a dude like me.. did things you could only imagine with her.

Here is the proof...

Let us start with John/SLB

Actually John if you would read all the posts you would see on the initial game post I actually praised JJ against Twente.. it was his best line-up to date.

Then you ramble on to Kinky Flowers, Fernando SuckAss, and Cum-at-cYou which clearly tells me you haven't been on here long.. since I complained about each.. including the incompetent Italian that won us our last title.

I hated Vieira too but the last few years his taste has been improving.. I expect the same from the Manager.. I expect the next would be better.. by far.

Then you bring up the fact that Benfica had a SUPER SQUAD like Porto had last year and how we barely won the league in the same year I complained.. that year had Europa Cup with our names on it.. wooops... need I remind you with a similar squad Porto annihilated last year.. and it wasn't close.. even though technically we had Gaitan who is so much better than DiMaria as the Dot from Mississauga always says.. and we lost Ramires.

20+ points on Ramires when Gaitan is so superior??????

As for good managers many great ones out there and I won't speculate on who his replacement should be until we get there and I can survey the land. We are not there JJ is still barely winning... which you should all be accustomed to, and which keeps him in a job.

Let us move on to Mdot.. comparing Sporting to Benfica is not exactly fair. As you put it we have been contending every season.. Sporting has had to make wholesale changes. As I stated last year I had hoped Paciencia would move to Benfica but JJ's inability to do anything with a select squad has countered that.

Let me ask you truthfully.. with the squad JJ has if he sh*t the bed where would they end up... because for me the results over the last few seasons have equalled that.

Then you bring on his player selections which is my main gripe..

Let us dissect this to better appreciate your statements...

You started with Bruno Cesar.. a player who has had minimal opportunities.. and has wowed on all but one occassion.

Unlike NJ I am not Aimar's favourite fan.. I think he is a good player but at this stage should be coming off of the bench.. for a productive 30 but I will admit.. he has played good in 2 out of every 4 games so in essence he has improved from the last two seasons.

So with a direct head to head comparison with Aimar at his best still sees the part-timer Cesar ahead of him for goals..

should he start????

many wanted Cesar to start.. I will say that one is still 50/50 an Argentinian forced retirement is dangerous.. shame we didn't get that performance the last two seasons.

Then you bring up your notion that Gaytan is better than DiMaria.. NJ will be the first to tell you that I was not the biggest Dimaria fan.. yet.. I am insulted.. we got screwed on the DiMaria deal... he got sold on the cheap..

Fact DiMaria will sell for twice Gaytan will ever..

What can we sell him for today? 10? Maybe?

As JJ's starting left this year he is now on the right.. and still not where me and others think he should play... Gaitan is a AM and is a direct replacement for Aimar not any of the others..

Artur clearly did better than Eduardo who was the best GK in the world cup... fact is that Julio Cesar was playing regular last year in games.. and Eduardo has yet to see a game.

J Cesar sucked, Roberto sucked, and since Eduardo already showed up JJ when he was sent on loan to become a monster.. I don't blame JJ.. because he is saving his bacon.. Artur is good.. I think Eduardo is better.. JJ must think so too.. because his Portuguese ass won't get in game unless Artur slips on the Frango at the Brazilian buffet.. until then that point is mute.

Also I will remind you that I have praised Artur for his dead blank saves.

Also I don't bash Benfica you have it all wrong.. Mdash I bash individuals who take away from the team.

My expectations are much hirer than yours.. so just barely winning with crappy players does not excite me.

Lowered Expectations = Great Results

I think Saturday Night Live did a series on you..

Much to many's dismay on this site.. I can appreciate footie and have no issue with cheering on Nj's fav in Sporting.. and even Porto who many hate.. damn I even cheer on Braga even tho Bryan can be quite annoying.

I have been quite clear on my affiliations... yet like your wife who complains.. you don't like it when we present you with the facts.

That brings us to my friend Andre who agreed with me last but doesn't this...

JJ's excuse for his incompetence was that he didn't have the same squad last year.. yet Airton for most was shit hot in the few appearances he made..

Has JJ learned anything.. no.. he still blames the players.

Then Andre goes on about LFV's selection of mental midgets and how JJ's better.. rocket science.. did I ever say JJ wasn't better than the retards before him..?

Better do a long search.. cause you won't ever find me comparing Kinky Flowers to JJ.. so because the shit smells sweeter I should be impressed?

Could the new formation be forced upon him by the great play?

If I plant a tree and never water it.. when it naturally grows tall and produces more fruit...?

How much credit can I take for their prize winning glory????

Was it not the fertal grass of Benfica and the great crop that he didn't choose that led him to success?

Mdot then brings up my praise of Paciencia.. and let me be honest.. I would love hands down Paciencia to be at Benfica.. with this squad.. this club.. he could be GREAT.

From the other responses I think others too would rather see that.

Then Mdot rambled on about what JJ hasn't done well winning the Liga/barely and winning the Toilet Bowl Cups.. just imagine if we had competed in Qatar.


Then John waxes on once again about how poor Benfica has been managed in the past and how he has lowered expectations.. and how JJ is his idol.

NJ then joins in to add his qualified opinion.. yet.. although he agrees with me he disagrees most of the time..

Let me explain.. he and I championed Nolito from the beginning.. yet Gaytan started.. ooopsy..

Axel is better but did not start.. ooopsy..

Saviola should be benched for Cardozo.. ooooopsy..

Aimar should be replaced with Cesar.. oooopsy.. not so much..

Emmerson sucks.. ooopsy...

Usually what me and NJ disagree about is that he thinks Javi is good defensively.. fact is if you rewind all the goals Benfica has given up including pre-season.. Javi is right there 90% of the time.. Great.
Still missing Ramires I think or maybe he just sucks.. maybe we should've kept the Danilo.. ooooopsy..

Rodrigo should be playing.. and so should Nelson.. oooooooopsy.. let us reward the young super stars without ever getting a game... ooooooooooopsy

Hey I like Artur.. but JJ the Portuguese hater just won't let him play for fear.

Why does it always take a quarter season before JJ realizes who the best players are, while couch potatoes get it right from the beginning. Fact is whenever he finds out who the best are their results don't improve either because they all hate his guts by then... the blind assed squirrel.

Truth is the bulk of his starting squad he does not want there.. the ones that are there regularly are not that good.. and we consistently get middling results.

Is winning at all costs that desperate at Benfica because it sure sounds like it.. from all the lowered expectations.

So lets take the best of the starting squad... and reflect on if they were projected starters:

Cardozo = No
Nolito = No
Axel = No
Aimar = Yes

Those are the facts.. you might not like my opinion..

Meanwhile we have 4 or 5 players that deserve to get in the line-up for their performances.. Rodrigo, Nelson, Mika, Eduardo.. etc.. and we all know the answer to that..

Get a chance NJ the only way theyu get a chance is the way Coentrao did.. and the rest this year.. against the Managers wishes.

Besides JJ could make me happy tomorrow.. once picking the best line-up.. but I won't hold my breath.. JJ has learned as Andre stated.. like a prostitute that was beaten down.. the hard way.

JJ will never make Orlando happy.
We all knew that Nacional on the road after a CL 2nd leg qualifier, was going to be tough.
I've always been a huge Aimar fan, but he will need rest, and I think that Bruno is going to be key.
With Nolito struggling I would have moved Gaitan to the left and brought Enzo on. Bruno could have replaced Aimar.
I for one understand having Rodrigo on the bench, and maybe he should have been brought on. He will bring bigger dividends earlier, especially if he sees playing time.
Nelson will see his time come sooner than later.
I'm happy that Cardozo is producing at a good clip once again.
As for JJ he has adjusted to the players he has. He is miles ahead of what we've had recently, and the replacements only scare more. I thought that he would have been fired if he lost to twente, but now let him progress. He's an ass sometimes, especially with his comments, but you can't deny success.

As for Braga, they've surprised me. They got a good draw fir Europa as well. It will be hard for them to compete on all fronts, so we'll see.
Although they are struggling, I still think that Sporting will finish 3rd fairly easily. Paciencia is finding out quickly the difference of managing Sporting and Braga.

A quick shout out to Gil Vicente. They have played well, even after departures. Easy team to root for.
Can someone let me know the attendance for this game. They also have great fans.
Academica came back to earth vs better competition.

Just a quick apology for the typos as I was doing one too many things when I wrote that rant.

I just want to add a couple more things. Orland you go on defending Sporting's coach Paciencia and one of Sporting's worst starts yet you still bash JJ as if he's worse. I’ve watched most of the matches from our league and all teams have some games where they don’t look too hot but the difference is the results.

JJ won us a very long over due league title, got us the league cups back to back and improved our performance in Europe ever season since in charge. We’re once again back in the CL after a great performance over a hard opponent. If JJ takes us to the knockout stage that will be the first time it’s been done since the 05/06 season. We look like we can push for the title again this year yet you’ve come on here several times talking defending Paciencia. In JJ’s first season at a big club he won the title lets see how well Paciencia does.

On a side note I think Paciencia is a good coach and over time he maybe able to make Sporting competitive again. I would still take JJ since he did it in one season and continues to do well with the high level of player turnover our league sees.

First of all I'm thrilled to see that Braga continues to play hard and push hard to be in the mix with the big 3. Given the performances of Sporting I do think Braga has a real shot at visiting the CL once again.

Benfica getting a 2-0 away in Nacional is a very good result and the majority of Benfica fans are happy.

Orlando quit coming across as such an anit-Benfica fan. JJ subbed on Bruno and he made it 2-0 yet he's a moron? As for bashing Nico, last time I checked this guy looks like he's be surpassing Di Maria in less time at our club. Artur did better then Eduardo at Braga, also Artur is our keeper, Eduardo is a loan player which was on picked up in case OUR keeper is a flop and we need a real back-up. Why the hell would we play a loan player and let the player we own rot on the bench. Artur is killing it with some amazing saves.

Why don't you cheer for another club since all I see you do is praise other teams and bash Benfica. I've called you out on this before and I expect you to cry about how your a real Benfica fan but last time I checked every dam time we win something you bitch about it and every time we lose you boost about it.

Sir Orlando Mac will be the new manager of Benfica in January. Manuel Machado his assistant.

Still has a lot to improve with his passing, heading and tackling back. He can run fast and scores some spectacular goals but he is miles away from beign a great player. Everyone was givign me grief tonight cos of what I said about Barbosa but I'll stick by my guns.

The team on a whole has a lot of improvement ahead but game by game Im seeing sligh improvement in players.

Berni : Apart one one dodgy early exit he had a decent debut with a good save to boot. You could see by his reaction to the goal that he doesn't want to be here to make up numbers.

Baiano(I never spell it right): Still gives away some silly balls but is starting to develop a good understanding with Alan. today wasnt one of his best performances so far this season.

Elderson: One of his best games in a Braga jersey. You can see he is fighting for his place considering how good Imorou is.

Vinicius P: Got into some strange positions for a CB (left wing and centre forward at two points inthe game) Had a decent game

Nuno Andre Coelho : Everybody said he had a great game. He had a good game IMO but nothing special and still ahs to convince me.

Djamal: Much better as each game passes and today he was pretty good. He still makes me nervous the way his gangly legs go all over the place. His headers are a bit like Sporting at the moment.... they could go anywhere!!! I've never seen such a tall player struggle so much in the air.

Viana: drifted in and out of the game with world class passes mixed with silly losses of the ball

Mossoro: Gives it everything Decent first half was pretty quiet in the second.

Alan: Again drifted in and out of the game and it was good to see Jardim grow some balls and take a fan favourite off...

Barbosa... Unless he scores 15 wonder goals this season we aint gonna con anyone out of 15 million.. unless of course they only watch the goals on Youtube... If they see him playing football he'll end up on loan at Setubal or Gil Vecente in January or maybe not considering he's damned lucky he;s got a Portuguese Passport (ok its a bit harsh)

Lima: worked hard and helped out with a lot of donkey work. Reminded my of John Aldridge... without the moustache of course...

Nuno Gomes: pretty quiet apart from a ballooned header(must be taking lessons off Djamal!)

Salino : Even though he wasnt on long he had a good impact on the tempo and Braga's movement

Meyong: aparently he came on..

I told you Helder Barbosa would come through LOLZ :D

The magico is back!

A lot of Braga fans were always telling me Helder Barbosa is this and that but I've always said he's one of the most efficient players on the team. Forca Braga, Forca Helder Barbosa!