Benfica a shadow of their former selves

Benfica are Benfica in name only, the club is a shadow of it's former self, the self that we all became accustomed to over the past few seasons that saw the club capture 18 trophies in Portugal from 2010 to 2019 as well as make the Europa League final on two occasions. The past two games in the Taca da Liga was the evidence of how far this club has fallen from those glory days.

Benfica under performed to such a drastic level that I fear what awaits the club when the take on Ajax next month on the Champions League round of 16. Jorge Jesus wrecked what was left of this club and although unfair to paint current intern manager Nelson Verissimo in the same boat, we can say he is far from an improvement and his appointment alone tells us that the club hierarchy has given up on the season, so too shall we.

Changes at Benfica are needed from the players all the way to the top, the club needs a new direction, a new manager with a vision and a set of new players that have not only a passion for winning but a passion for the crest that sits atop their heart. Benfica are now a club in search of an identity and that identity can start to begin next season with the appointment of a manager. The fans who are the life line of the club deserve better, we deserve a club that gives it their all even if the outcome is not to our liking. Is that too much to ask? 

The passion we need, the will to win and the fortitude to not lose, forward to 3:08 and 7:10 to see the goals and what we are currently lacking.

 

Seferovic bags are packed for unknown destination

Haris Seferovic's name is being mentioned in numerous sports pages across Europe with a move out of Benfica before the transfer window closes on Monday. Seferovic who is currently recovering from an injury has been linked with Turkish club Fenerbahce and English side Brighton & Hove Albion but terms of any potential deal have yet to be disclosed. Benfica during the summer months had a €20M price tag on the Swiss striker after a great Euro 2020 campaign but failed to take advantage of the added interest and now would more then likely receive a lower amount then what could have been obtained at the time. Seferovic has struggled for playing time this season while battling injuries and has appeared in only twelve games across all competitions, scoring five goals while setting up three in 468 minutes of action.

Benfica to face Sporting in Taca da Liga Final

Benfica are set to face cross town rivals Sporting in the Taca da Liga final this upcoming Saturday after both clubs won their semi-final games this week. Benfica will be making a return to the final of a competition that they have won on seven occasions but not since the 2015-16 season. While Sporting have won the competition three times and have captured titles, three out of the last four years and are the current defending champions.

Benfica goes into the competition missing some key players who are away on international duty or in COVID protocols. Benfica will be without leading scorer Darwin Nunez and starting center back and vice captain Nico Otamendi who are both on international duty. Benfica will also be out winger Rafa Silva who tested positive for COVID on Tuesday and will miss the final after already missing the semi-final game.

Benfica who arrived in the final after a penalty kick victory over Boavista on Tuesday night, will be hard pressed to come out of the competition as champions if their poor form continues going into the game on Saturday. The managerial change seems to have done little to snap the club out of their funk and their city rivals Sporting would be quite content to add to the misery of the club and it's fans.