Football Season Guide

Benfica had a very disappointing season in 2020-21. The arrival of Jorge Jesus and several promising names in the beginning of the season raised the expectations as high as they could be, but right from the start the performances and results were disappointing. A few injuries and Covid infections harmed the squad during November and December, but there was always the feeling of underachievement, even when the squad was in full condition. There was some improvement by the end, which brings hopes for a better season, this time. The squad seems stronger for the new season, especially in the number of options. João Mário is the big new signing, for now. Gil Dias, Meité and Rodrigo Pinho are good additions that will bring Jesus more options for when he needs to rotate the squad or change the style of play. There's some expectation on what will the coach do with the several players returning from loan spells. Gedson and Florentino in midfield and Carlos Vinícius in attack can be important pieces if Jorge Jesus decides to keep them. The team may continue to switch from a dynamic 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 depending on the opponents. Veríssimo should assume a leading role at the back. Weigl will have his last chance to prove he can live up to the expectations put on him when he was a young promise in Germany. The fans will be keeping a close eye on Éverton, whose first season in Portugal was half-disappointing. Properly adapted to European football demands, 'Cebolinha' may have his definitive affirmation wearing the red jersey. The advanced age of some players at the back, the constant injuries on Grimaldo and the lack of a proper reference in attack will be the problems that Jesus may struggle to cope with. The club had some rough weeks back in June/July, with chairman Felipe Vieira arrested for several financial crimes. The leading roles in the club are a bit of an indefinition, at this point. Latest new signing Yaremchuk seems the ideal addition for attack. His deadly finishing ability was something that the Eagles have been missing.