Thoughts On SL Benfica During 2015/16

Now that SL Benfica's 2015/16 season has come to an end, The Benfica Nation can reflect on a satisfying but at times difficult successful season. Coach Rui Vitoria was criticized and often deemed as a coach not suitable to coach any of "The Big 3" in Portugal. After a dreadful pre-season in which SL Benfica lost literally every game on their North American Tour, and a mediocre start to the 2015/16 season, 

SPORTING CP & JORGE JESUS

The Benfica Nation did not believe in Vitoria and his coaching methods. Although, SL Benfica had an impressive 4-0 matchday #1 result against Estoril, just a few days prior SL Benfica lost the Portuguese Super Cup to local rivals Sporting CP. A defeat that would be the first of three loses to Sporting CP and would include an interesting feud between SL Benfica's former coach Jorge Jesus and their new coach Rui Vitoria. 

Matchday #8 saw one of SL Benfica worst defeats ever in history at The Luz as SL Benfica fell 3 -0 to an compact, determined Sporting CP. Jorge Jesus and his mind games and experience as a former SL Benfica coach paid off as his team was victorious. Sporting CP had not seen a victory at The Luz since January 28, 2006. SL Benfica were now seven points behind Sporting and sat mid table in the Liga while Sporting were continuing to enjoy their dominance in the Liga. 

JJ mentioned in a press conference that while at Benfica for 6 years he successfully defeated Sporting CP fourteen times. Vitoria remained a professional and would not comment much in the press conferences about the "JJ mind tricks."

Benfica's Portuguese Cup dreams came to an end during the fourth round in which they lost 2-1 to Sporting CP at the Alvalade. Sporting's President Bruno De Carvalho continued to be vocal on Facebook and social media constantly putting down Benfica's players, coach, and anyone associated with the club. It seemed almost impossible at this point that Benfica were going to beat Sporting CP and become champions for the third consecutive season. 

On week 25 SL Benfica were victorious 1-0 at The Alvalade in a much needed victory. After suffering 2 loses in the Liga to FC Porto, a previous lost to Sporting CP, and a controversial loss in matchday #2 to Arouca, in order for Benfica to be champions they could not afford to lose to Sporting a second time in the Liga. Had Benfica not won at the Alvalade, the "Tri" probably would of never came. 

FC Porto

Although everyone thought that it was going to be Sporting's year, FC Porto made life difficult for Benfica in both Liga matches. With such additions as Maxi, and Iker Casillas it was no doubt that Porto wanted to stop Benfica from getting their "Tri" by spending on big names. FC Porto beat SL Benfica on matchday #5 with 1-0 victory in the 86'. Benfica played a great first half playing a two striker formation and dominating in not only possession but shots on goals.

Benfica on matchday #22 hosted FC Porto and suffered their first loss 2-1 in the Liga in 13 matches. Although, FC Porto at this point seemed distant from winning the Liga and were in shambles due to a change in coach, frustration from the players, and internal turmoil involving FC Porto mastermind Pinto Da Costa, wife, and son, FC Porto will always want to be victorious against Benfica (and vice versa)

FC Porto did end up finishing third in the season 15 points behind first place Benfica (88 points). A result alongside Benfica's Tri that has convinced The Benfica Nation that there has been a change of the guard in the Liga as FC Porto's dominance is no longer evident. 

Rui Vitoria   

Now that SL Benfica have won the "Tri" looking back throughout the season there were most definitely doubts and criticism of the new coach. Vitoria's accomplishments other then winning the "Tri"and the Portuguese Liga Cup include the following:

1) Quarter - Finals stages in the UEFA Champions League (including 30 million + in UEFA bonuses)

2) Giving opportunities to Benfica's Youth & B Team players. (Most evident was Renato Sanches who was just sold to Bayern Munich. Benfica have made over 100 million in selling youth players within the last few seasons.)

3) Remaining professional while representing the club in the media during press conferences pre and post match

Vitoria went from coaching smaller clubs to the biggest platform in Portugal and possibly the world. He was the third highest paid coach in Portugal and is extremely loyal and passionate with his current coaching job. There is no doubt that Vitoria shares the same vision for Benfica as President LFV and that is investment at the Seixal amongst "Made In Benfica" players. 

With silly season approaching there is no doubt that Benfica will sell some of their current squad. Just like last season when Benfica sold an entire full squad of players, Vitoria will look at Benfica's youth for an opportunity to step up during the 2016/17 season. Just like this year Vitoria may have yet another quality "Made In Benfica" player on the cusp of breaking into the main squad and possibly be sold for millions and millions of Euro's.