Football Season Guide

An excellent title winning season, last year. Robert Schmidt brought out the best out of this Benfica side in 22-23, and picked an impressive run of results in the first two thirds of the season, where Benfica looked completely unplayable in Portugal, and capable of challenging the likes of Juventus and PSG in Europe. Schmidt was the main reason for Benfica’s success in last season. His intense pressing system work perfectly during most part of the season, especially while Enzo Fernandez was on the team. Central midfielder Kokçu arrived for the new season to fill in the void left by Enzo in January. The youngster João Neves showed immense quality in some games, in the position, but he is considered unprepared to have a major role on the team just yet. Angel Di Maria is a highly celebrated return to the club, but it is questionable that the World Cup champion will deliver what the fans are hoping he will. Jurasek arrived for the left-back position, to replace the departing Grimaldo. Tiago Gouveia had a fantastic season with Estoril and is now back to his main club. Schmidt’s 4-2-3-1 might need some adaptation for the current season, because some opponents looked better prepared to deal with Benfica’s dynamics by the end of the season. Gonçalo Guedes looks almost certain to leave, which will leave a big problem to solve in the striker position, as it is questionable that Musa will keep the standards for the role, and Tengstedt has barely been tested.