Benfica legend and newly elected club vice president Rui Costa is in isolation due to recent contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. Costa was not in the stands during today's 3-3 draw between Benfica and Rangers in Europa League action and it was disclosed that Costa took the initiative to quarantine himself after learning that he had been in contact with the positive COVID-19 person. Costa will also not be in the stands when Benfica host Braga this upcoming weekend before the International break.
The newly acquired Brazilian trio this summer are all adapting to the style of game played in Europe from their homeland as the season continues to move forward. Brazilians, Everton, Gabriel and Pedrinho all joined the club during the summer transfer window for a combined €40M and all three have yet to make their mark this season. Benfica manager Jorge Jesus feels that the trio has a lot of talent between them but have yet to reach their potential as they adjust to the more demanding European game which provides less space to work with and more defensive responsibility.
Everton who is a regular for the Brazilian national side is the only one of the trio who has played regular minutes and also the only one to have scored across all competitions while chipping in five helpers. Gilberto has only started to play regularly with the injury to starting right back Andre Almeida, while Pedrinho has played the least minutes of the three and thus far been the least impressive. The Brazilians will continue to work with manager Jesus as they learn his system and what is required in European football as they look to help the club succeed this season.
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus was unimpressed by the reaction he received from midfielder Gabriel upon the players substitution in the clubs recent Europa League game against Standard Liege. Jesus substituted Gabriel at the 72nd minute of the game and the midfielder was unhappy with being taken off the pitch. What was followed was harsh words from the Benfica manager towards the midfielder that had Rui Costa intervene to calm the mood but the two would sit and talk about the situation and Jesus made it clear to the player that he would be let off with a warning and that any further bad behavior will result in a fine and possible suspension from the club. Jesus expects that Gabriel will not be a problem again going forward and that he understands what is expected from him by the manager and club.
