We are Benfica- NOT FOR SALE -

On the night where many players in red shone, the question will be raised from Socios and Supporters, when the group of players are more or less likely to be sold on to bigger clubs in Europe.

The likes of Fabio Coentrao, Aimar, Cardozo and Co are all on the wanted lists of the big teams.

With Portuguese football on the rise again, perhaps we should think about keeping some or most of the talent at home, make the league a force for Europe.

Why should our talent such as Coentrao go to Germany or Spain? I gather he is more then happy at Benfica, so seeing him in the red and white of Bayern Munich or the white or Real Madrid will not give me the same joy, unless he is wearing the red or Portugal.
Why should we not attract the TV audiences that the English Prem or the Spanish league do?

Benfica need to keep hold of Salvio, lets spend a little, be the club that buys big when the player is worth the money, and Salvio definitely has proven he can make a difference therefore worth the money.
Sign contracts early when we know a player is good to show the rest we mean business.

The investment on another keeper is also something we may need to look at, we spent big on Roberto, whom so far has been hit and miss, a decent back up should make him work harder.

We only have to look at Gomes the Tottenham keeper, a player that until he had no decent challenger was conceding silly goals.

Benfica should at the end of the season fight this temptation to make a bit of money, and establish the dominance of Portuguese football by creating a squad to consistently win trophies.

Maybe follow the footprints of rivals FC Porto whom don’t sell in massive numbers or build a new squad every year.

Consistency in squads is something adapted in Premier League team, top clubs keep top players, the likes of Manchester United buy 2 players and sell fringe players, Chelsea and Arsenal are the same.

Would we not be a greater squad with the likes of Ramires, David Luis, Di Maria, still in the squad? With the addition of the new faces then I am sure Benfica would dominate the league and even Europe.

We have the beautiful stadium, we have the greatest supporters on the planet, a team that can fight the title and win it every year is what it’s needed.

Let’s keep it big, lets make it great…. We are Benfica.

Benfica v Portimonense preview

Benfica v Portimonense

Jorge Jesus has taken a gamble in the selection for the game versus Portimonense.

In what seems like a chance to rest some of the players for the coming European game against PSG in France on Thursday.

First choice keeper Roberto has been rested alongside Fabio Coentrao and Carlos Martins was also allowed to stay home (or watch from the stands).

Jesus has drafted in Jose Fernadez and Airton (should he recover from a mild illness) with Carole the young French left back included in the squad.

With Luisao, Maxi Pereira and Javi Garcia all suspended for the game, Jesus will have to reshuffle the defence whilst giving some players their much needed rest.

Although Benfica will host the team that currently is bottom if the league, Jorge Jesus has promised that the team has the responsibility to win the game, with Portimonense looking to climb off the foot of the table.

The Mister has also expressed his delight at the call up of Salvio and Gaitan into the Argentina for two friendly games.

Guarda-redes: Moreira e & Júlio César.
Defwnders: Luís Filipe, Sidnei, Jardel, Carole, César Peixoto, Roderick.
Midfielders: Fernández, Airton, Felipe Menezes, Nico Gaitán, Aimar, Salvio.
Forwards: Saviola, Cardozo, Weldon, Nuno Gomes Alan Kardec, Franco Jara.

I myself will see that victory happen live from my streaming computer, in my London pad;

Benfica v Portimonense
13th March 2011, KO 20:15