Roger Schmidt is a manager stuck in a rut at Benfica

When you look at the Benfica squad, you see talent everywhere. So why does Roger Schmidt choose to ignore it? With a lineup missing wingers and filled with defensive midfielders, it feels like he's driving a sports car in a school zone. Why does this style leave fans scratching their heads?

Florentino, Barreiro and Aursnes might be good players, but cramming them into the starting eleven is like packing sardines into a can. The balance is off. Schmidt relies heavily on defensive midfielders, which stifles creativity and risks turning the game into a tedious affair. Like a movie with no plot twist, the matches can become predictable, leaving fans bored and even frustrated.

Benfica did get the win today in their home opener at the Luz but it took them 70 minutes to open the scoring today and 160 minutes to score their first goal of the season but this only happened when Schmidt inserted winger Tiago Gouveia and attacking midfielder Orkun Kokcu into the game. This changed the dynamics of the attack and it powered the club to a 3-0 victory over Casa Pia.

Someone needs to tell Schmidt that wingers are essential for an attacking team. They add width and speed, stretching the opponent's defense thin. Yet, here we are, watching Benfica start games without anyone to whip in a cross or run down the flank. Instead of unleashing attacking plays, the team seems stuck in an up and down seesaw affair.

In today’s football world, creativity is key. With a setup that lacks flair and spontaneity, Benfica's attack can look lifeless. You start to wonder: Is it the players or the strategy? When players are meticulous with their passes but nothing ever seems to turn into a shot on goal, it feels like they’re trapped in a never-ending loop of passing drills at practice.

Benfica fans expect more than just solid defending; they crave excitement and goals. A team with so much potential shouldn’t be stuck playing it safe. It is not hard to see that Roger Schmidt seems more concerned with keeping his job then he is at actually playing to win games against the leagues minnows.

In the grand scheme of things, Schmidt’s approach might just confuse fans more than anything else. By overlooking the vital role of wingers and loading up on defensive midfielders, he's limiting the team's ability to attack. If Benfica wants to thrive, it’s time for a fresh outlook—a strategy that embraces offensive play and captures the spirit of the fans.

We are just two games into the season and although some of the players have changed, the coach remains an anchor holding this team back. It might just be time to throw him over board and keep steering the ship towards our goals without him.

Sanches will be the heartbeat of Benfica's attack

Benfica is gearing up for a thrilling season, and Renato Sanches is set to be a crucial piece of their midfield puzzle. His talent and energy can light up the field, but there's a catch. Staying healthy is a big deal for him and the team. The current situation with Benfica’s midfield options isn’t exactly ideal, making Sanches' role even more vital.

Renato Sanches is more than just a player. He’s a spark in Benfica's attack. His ability to maneuver through defenders, pick a perfect pass, or strike from distance can change the course of a match. Imagine him as a conductor of an orchestra, guiding the tempo and rhythm. Without him, the music can feel pretty off-key.

When Sanches is healthy and on the field, fans can expect creativity and dynamism. His vision allows him to see plays before they unfold. He’s like a chess master, always thinking a few moves ahead. This kind of skill isn’t just important; it’s necessary for Benfica to break down tough defenses.

Without Sanches, Benfica could struggle to create scoring chances and maintain control of the game. Their current midfielders might not match his skill level or versatility, which puts extra pressure on Sanches to step up.

Staying fit is a major concern for Sanches. Injuries have hampered his career at various points, and for Benfica to reach their potential, they need him healthy. It’s not just about being on the field; it’s about being at the top of his game. The longer he can maintain his fitness, the better for Benfica. Each match he plays is a chance for him to shine and help elevate the team to new heights.

Renato Sanches is poised to be the heartbeat of Benfica's midfield this season. His skill, creativity, and vision can lift the team where it needs to go. However, the key to success lies in his health. With limited creativity options in the midfield, Sanches must stay in top shape to ensure Benfica can compete at its best.

His return to the club has been a positive move by Benfica and his presence is vital, with the stakes high, the pressure is on. Let’s hope he can shine and help Benfica towards a successful season.

Benfica baffles in season opening loss to Famalicao

Benfica's season kicked off with an unexpected thud as they fell 2-0 to Famalicao. Fans were left scratching their heads, not just because of the loss, but also due to the strange lineup chosen by coach Roger Schmidt. With three defensive midfielders and no wingers on the field, many are wondering what he was thinking.

Starting the season with a solid game plan is crucial, but Schmidt's choices left many questioning his strategy. Instead of employing dynamic wingers who can stretch the field and create scoring opportunities, he opted for his favourites playing out of position. What was meant to be a tactical masterclass turned into a perplexing puzzle.

With three defensive midfielders on the pitch, in Florentino, Aursnes and Barreiro it felt like Benfica was playing not to lose rather than going for the win. This defensive posture is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. They might have had good intentions, but it certainly didn't work out.

Benfica supporters are notoriously passionate and vocal. After just one match, frustrations began boiling over. Fans flooded social media, expressing their discontent. How could a club with Benfica's rich history come out with such a dud after last season's disappointing campaign.

The uproar was palpable. “We need attackers, not a fortress,” one fan exclaimed, perfectly capturing the sentiment of so many others. It’s hard to blame them. A season opener should inspire hope, not dread, what was the point of a line up lacking wingers when there where two sitting on the bench.

Famalicao deserves credit for coming out with a clear game plan. They capitalized on Benfica’s uncharacteristic lack of offensive threat. By pressuring the midfield and exploiting the mistakes created by the club to score a goal in each half, much to the delight of their home crowd fans.

With the season just starting, it’s clear that adjustments are needed. Will Schmidt continue with this unorthodox lineup, or will he adapt to the mounting pressure. The next few matches will be crucial. Consistency is key in football, and if Benfica hopes to challenge for the title, they need to quickly find their rhythm and use players in positions that they will thrive.

We need to learn from last season's mistakes not start creating new ones in 2024-25. The Hysteria just one game in may be a bit over board but with rivals Sporting and FC Porto picking up season opening wins. You can't blame the fans for just feeling that they were right all along in wanting Schmidt gone last season only to see club President Rui Costa bring him back.

On a bright note, Tomas Araujo looked very good in the starting center back role and a UEFA Youth League reunion with partner Antonio Silva that saw the pair capture the championship in 2022, could be a very promising twosome for the upcoming season.

Benfica will look to get things right in their season opening home game against Casa Pia next week but the clock is already ticking on Schmidt and Costa's futures with the club.