Roger Schmidt dropped the ball in Vlachodimos situation

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt may be facing his first turbulent moment since arriving in Lisbon when it comes to the situation with the clubs long time number one keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Schmidt singled out the 29 year old Greek international in the teams opening season loss to Boavista in an interview and then went as far as to pull him from the clubs starting XI going into Week 2 of the season.

This did not sit well with Vlachodimos who went to speak to the manager in person, this led to an argument that saw the Greek keeper taken out of the match day squad all together. Vlachodimos was unhappy by the criticisms made by Schmidt publicly from his performance in Week 1 and now feels that the only solution may be to depart from the club. 

Schmidt's handling of the situation may have also ruffled some feathers in the dressing room were the Greek keeper has friends who are sure to not be impressed by Schmidt's inability to keep the situation in house. Vlachodimos has been with Benfica since the summer of 2018, appearing in 225 games for the club, while capturing two League Championships and two Super Cups.

Manchester United and Ajax are said to be two clubs interested in the keepers services.