The 2015-16 season has brought many changes to Benfica. Beginning with a new manager and several new players, there have been both good and bad moments along the way. The lows are definitely the losses the team has encountered, including the three against Sporting and the one to Porto. The team has also seen a number of injuries especially those to Luisao, Nelson Semedo, and the long term absence of Salvio. Gaitan has also suffered a few injuries in the past few weeks which has lead to several games having a very uncreative touch to the team. Yet despite all of the hardships, including the doubt of many (myself included) of Rui Vitoria, the team currently stands in second place on 37 points, just 4 behind Sporting. Which, a few months ago, seems like an unlikely place to be.
What does this mean for Benfica going into the last half of the season? It could be that Rui Vitoria has figured out a system that is working. He said in his press conference before the Maritimo game that he was trying to still figure things out, which, fair enough is honest. His words had a lot of confidence and just enough anger to hopefully light a fire under himself and to also light one under the team. There is talent, there's no doubt about that, but it has not been utilized at times. We haven't quite got the best out of Goncalo Guedes yet, despite the very crucial goals, he hasn't imposed himself yet to be a permanent starter. This is in contrast to Renato Sanches who has carved out the number 8 role all for himself. Vitoria has also made changes to how and where Pizzi plays, getting the best of him with his recent goal scoring streak. Not to mention having used Carcela as a bench player to a now possible starter, waiting to possibly use him when he felt he was ready and capable.
There are positives to take away from this team. It's been a lot of negatives, rightfully so, but there are still reasons to stand behind Rui and to support him as Benfica make the run for the title. There are many games in January to play, with plenty of opportunities to both gain and to lose. February will see the return of the Champions League, with Benfica playing Zenit. Zenit have been very good in their CL run but having had time off for the winter break, could be rusty in their return. Benfica will hopefully have players returning which will allow for a better squad depth that they can rely on and use to rotate players.
What will decide the league is how Benfica plays against all teams, both those at the mid-table and lower as well as their direct rivals. If Benfica slips up, they can be guaranteed to kiss their chance at first place goodbye. They also need to rely on luck. Without Sporting losing or drawing any games means they also don't stand a chance at first. Second place is not bad in a first year with a new coach but as Benfica, first place should always be the goal. As long as Benfica is focused on the goal they have all the ability and talent in the world to succeed.
The game against Maritimo showed what the team is capable of and that's not even a fully fit squad. The goals were great and although Raul could have scored two more, the goals the came from Pizzi especially were wonderful to see. Carcela is proving himself to be a valuable asset to the team and it allows us to have the flexibility to use players in different ways. Many who have been calling for Rui Vitoria's head should be patient. It's not to say that there is no reason to be frustrated at times or to dislike the style of play. But with all the things in life, nothing comes easy. The same is said for football. We have to wait and see what the season's end brings and what to expect next season. There is plenty of potential and I believe in this team and this manager.
There are positives to take away from this team. It's been a lot of negatives, rightfully so, but there are still reasons to stand behind Rui and to support him as Benfica make the run for the title. There are many games in January to play, with plenty of opportunities to both gain and to lose. February will see the return of the Champions League, with Benfica playing Zenit. Zenit have been very good in their CL run but having had time off for the winter break, could be rusty in their return. Benfica will hopefully have players returning which will allow for a better squad depth that they can rely on and use to rotate players.
What will decide the league is how Benfica plays against all teams, both those at the mid-table and lower as well as their direct rivals. If Benfica slips up, they can be guaranteed to kiss their chance at first place goodbye. They also need to rely on luck. Without Sporting losing or drawing any games means they also don't stand a chance at first. Second place is not bad in a first year with a new coach but as Benfica, first place should always be the goal. As long as Benfica is focused on the goal they have all the ability and talent in the world to succeed.
The game against Maritimo showed what the team is capable of and that's not even a fully fit squad. The goals were great and although Raul could have scored two more, the goals the came from Pizzi especially were wonderful to see. Carcela is proving himself to be a valuable asset to the team and it allows us to have the flexibility to use players in different ways. Many who have been calling for Rui Vitoria's head should be patient. It's not to say that there is no reason to be frustrated at times or to dislike the style of play. But with all the things in life, nothing comes easy. The same is said for football. We have to wait and see what the season's end brings and what to expect next season. There is plenty of potential and I believe in this team and this manager.