Rui Vitória was today officially presented as the new Benfica coach. The 45-year-old is the man chosen for the Estádio da Luz dugout after Jorge Jesus’s stunning exit for cross-town rivals Sporting two weeks ago
Vitória was presented on a podium set up in the Benfica museum behind a plaque that used a play on words with the new coach’s surname to read: A past of Glory, A future of Victory (Vitória).
“Benfica is a club of a worldwide dimension,” said Vitória. “The Benfiquistas can expect enormous dedication and my full commitment at all times. When you represent a club of this dimension, you have to be prepared to give your life for it.”
“I can’t promise trophies, but what I can promise is commitment, hard work and dedication.”
“There is a very clear vision of what we want for the future. We’re working arduously towards this. I can promise you we will have a very competitive team, which will honour Benfica. We already have the team structure practically in place. I’m convinced we will build a great side.”
“Our big concern is winning another championship and making it three in a row.”
New focus on youth players
The new treinador of the Eagles made of point of saying he believes Benfica have academy players of sufficient quality and quantity to make an impact on the immediate future of the Portuguese champions. “I can say that there are five, six or seven youngsters who will get their opportunity because they have a lot of quality, although I want to add that I won’t throw in academy players just for the sake of it.”
The promotion of the club’s youth players to the first team has long been an aspiration of president Luís Filipe Vieira, and the fact the previous coach Jesus made little use of the club’s home-grown talent is thought to be one of the reasons Vieira let him go.
Vitória will be keen to get to work on the training pitch to assess his squad and which players from the academy can be integrated into it. “My first day of contact with the players with be 2 July,” said the new manager.
Moroccan duo snapped up
Two players who will be looking to establish themselves quickly in Vitória’s plans are Moroccan internationals Adel Taarabt and Mehdi Carcela-González, who arrive from Queens Park Rangers and Standard Liege respectively. Both are attack-minded players who have signed long-term contracts and come with a big reputation.
The new Benfica era has begun.
By Tom Kundert
