Wasn't Anderlecht that humiliated you last year in the qualifying round, and then became the worst team of the Champions League?

and where is Sporting on the Champions League? strange the best football team isn't in any pot... maybe a UEFA blunder.

Wasn't Anderlecht that humiliated you last year in the qualifying round, and then became the worst team of the Champions League?


at least we can't get udinese, that european top club that won you twice in a row :(

I wish you good luck for the CL: I hope you lose all 6 games, but I don't wish any goleadas. (I'm not an hypocrit, you know)

thank you mr.

tomorrow we'll talk, when the groups are set.

it's a pity that we can wish the same to Sporting.... maybe you could recover the lost money in a sponsor deal with KFC.

gelo é bom para a dor de coto...

PS: good luck in UEFA Cup. relax! Gençlerbirligi isn't there!

lookout!!! watch out for banants :p

Liverpool
Ajax
Lille
Benfica

^^^ this IMO would be our best possible draw.

Liverpool is the only team in Pot 1 that I think we'd have any chance of getting points from.

Ajax because I don't think they're actually superiour to us, and Portuguese teams always seem to match up well against the Dutch.

Lille I think we can play against as equals, and we're definatly capable of beating them if we play well.

If we get any Italian teams, we're done. :(

lille or the belgium teams are good for us since we have a lot of emigrants who can go support our team on the away matches. ;)

The worst case scenario IMO is definitely:

Milan
Chelsea
Schalke

The best one (although also pretty hard) is:

Liverpool or Bayern
Panathinaikos or Ajax
Lille

Anyway, I must confess I highly doubt we'll make it to the 2nd round. Playing like we're doing ATM and against top opposition, I think we're going to lose most of the games. I just hope we're not hummiliated and that we can win 1 or 2 games, so that we get some money and at least keep playing the UEFA Cup.

agree completely, having a Celta Vigo game revisited is the last thing we need atm.

I'm actually not toooo worried about another Celta happening, mainly because we actually have a decent defence for once, reliable GK's, and very good DM's... I'm more worried about us not scorring any goals, since we have little to nothing in terms of offensive power right now :(

Gosh you're pessimists :jambo:

calm down, if Benfica plays confidently they have a chance! You're talking of your club like it was a kazhakistan team or smth! o compare yourself with Lille?

Maybe that's the Fado, guys cheer up, your team can beat more than 50% of the teams in those pots.

If we get any Italian teams, we're done. :(

:D!!!!!

any word on miccoli, or any other strikers?

I wouldn't mind Inter in the same group with Benfica. 2003-2004 UEFA Cup game at the San Siro was great. Oba backflips for everyone (H)

:D!!!!!

any word on miccoli, or any other strikers?

It has been said today that he wants to join us, it's just missing a deal with Juve...

But like mark said somewhere, if Miccoli is 99% a Benfica player today, he will be in another club tomorrow.

:S

i think you guys are too pessimist. yes our team will have a tough task and a 3rd place would be good but talk about Celta? that kind of things happen one time in a lifetime and in the CL against big squads we can play more defensively which we do well and in counter-attack. Almost every year underdogs scare big fishes in the CL so why not us?

I wouldn't mind Inter in the same group with Benfica. 2003-2004 UEFA Cup game at the San Siro was great. Oba backflips for everyone (H)


oh yes it was! i was there! but i don't want you guys. not now.

i think you guys are too pessimist. yes our team will have a tough task and a 3rd place would be good but talk about Celta? that kind of things happen one time in a lifetime and in the CL against big squads we can play more defensively which we do well and in counter-attack. Almost every year underdogs scare big fishes in the CL so why not us?

Man, when I was talking about hummiliation, I wasn't even thinking about something like Celta. That was something almost unreal and I hope I never see that happening again. I was talking about losing by something like 3/4 goals and being completely outplayed, leaving a very poor image...

It's not that I don't have faith, it's just that I have the notion that if we don't improve greatly and if no quality signings come, our team has very few chances of doing anything in the CL. Still, getting to the 2nd round isn't impossible, but for that we need to be more dangerous and effective upfront, extremely organized and our players need to give 200% and show a very strong mentality and will to win.

So, it is Man United, Villarreal and Lille...

Hard group, but looking to others, it was quite a good draw.

I'm happy, we can beat Villarreal and Lille, if we're on form and with some good reinforcements.

exactly my thoughts I was rooting for group D. Glad we got no italian team, at least we'll see some good attacking football.

good draw for us. i sincerely think that we could fight for the 2nd spot :)

and CR at Estadio da Luz (H)

i was rooting for group b, but d it is. Good draw for us in terms of away matches, not that far away from us! Spain, France and England will see lots of Benfica supporters in there with the team.

Let the games begin!

Villarreal is a really "short" trip. and i think Lille will use the Lens Bollaert Stadium in the CL.

Best of luck fellas. (Y)

Like I said in the other CL thread, I can't wait for the classic Man Utd - Benfica matches! (6)

i want to start at Old Trafford (H)

Believe it, i have to go to Benfica - United game, no matter how my finances are... :rockman:

you definately gotta go man!! Benfica - Man Utd. at the Luz will be amazing atmosphere! Just like the Bobby Charlton vs. Eusebio days!

Lille are planning to use the Stade de France!! (H)

let's pack it emmigrants :)

I honestly think Villareal will win this group..if so it's between slb and man utd...freakin hard group you had if u ask me (6)
And the Uefa place isnt easy to get either cause Lille isnt that bad..

CL schedule:

Sep 14 - Benfica x Lille
Sep 27 - Man Utd x Benfica
Oct 18 - Villarreal x Benfica
Nov 02 - Benfica x Villarreal
Nov 22 - Lille x Benfica
Dec 07 - Benfica x Man Utd

I agree with Goo: Villareal are probably the most dangerous side on this group, considering the latest form of the lot.
It'll be very tough for Benfica to get points in Spain and versus ManU home and away, but a good win in the first match versus Lille will be decisive.

Remember, we're to meet in the final, so... Good luck! (Y)

I honestly think Villareal will win this group..if so it's between slb and man utd...freakin hard group you had if u ask me (6)
And the Uefa place isnt easy to get either cause Lille isnt that bad..

Yeah, it's definitely a hard group (all were), but I think it was the 2nd easiest there was for us. I was hoping for either group B or group D as the draw went along and I got what I wanted.

Man Utd is the team everybody knows and Villareal are playing awesome football. Lille also isn't to be underestimated. If we play like we've been doing and we don't have quality reinforcements we're going to struggle even to finish 3rd and go to the UEFA... But if we improve, if we manage to get the 2 much needed new good players and the team is fully focused, determined and works very hard, the 2nd place is possible. Anyway, good games in prospect!

A UEFA anunciou, através do seu ‘site’ oficial, que o Lille, adversário do Benfica na fase de grupos da Liga dos Campeões, irá utilizar o Stade de France para os três encontros que realizará em casa. Tal situação decorre do facto de o Lille Metrópole, recinto onde costuma actuar, possuir uma lotação de apenas 18 mil lugares.

Assim, e como o Stade de France é precisamente o palco da final desta edição da Liga dos Campeões, bem se pode dizer que o Benfica tem garantida a presença no relvado onde se entregará a Taça. Claro que todo o adepto benfiquista espera que tal aconteça por duas vezes. Seria bom sinal...



great!!! Lille games at St. Denis!! Now i want to go there!

as for Villarreal, it will depend on their league form and how things are going well or not.

This is why I think the CL is becoming a joke: Benfica are the only champions in their group. Wtf!? Champions League? :|

yeah... at least UEFA must change the competition name. maybe EuroLeague :p

Finally a great attitude by Koeman! Wise words and analysis:

Ronald Koeman não gostou a atitude dos jogadores do Benfica frente à Académica. Mais do que a perda de dois pontos em Coimbra, o holandês tirou uma lição na terra dos estudantes: a equipa esteve desatenta, fez faltas a mais e refilou quando não o deveria ter feito.

«No primeiro jogo não gostei de certas coisas na equipa. Sobretudo do principio da primeira e da segunda parte. Tivemos altos e baixos no jogo¿ Perdemos bastantes bolas no meio-campo na primeira parte e creio que não é normal uma equipa como o Benfica fazer 28 faltas no jogo. Acabámos com cinco cartões amarelos e mais dois amarelos que deram vermelho. Não é bom e não estava muito contente com esta atitude. Falei com os jogadores porque o adversário tem de nos dar faltas. Se nós queremos dominar um jogo e fazemos 28 faltas então há sempre paragens e isso não é bom para o ritmo. Neste sentido estava muito descontente com esta atitude e não pode ser numa equipa como o Benfica onde aspiramos a muitas coisas. Fazer tantas faltas o que quer dizer? Que não estás atento», explicou o técnico.

Mais do que mexer no onze, e trocar João Pereira por Nelson ou Beto e Karyaka por Manuel Fernandes e Nuno Assis, Koeman sublinhou que é fundamental mudar a forma como cada jogador encara as incidências da partida: «No meio-campo mudei alguns na segunda parte, mas não são os jogadores mas sim a mentalidade que tem de mudar. Fazer uma falta no meio-campo que dê cartão é desnecessário. Se for na nossa área é outra coisa pois há perigo. No meio-campo não. O Luisão viu o cartão amarelo por falar aos dez minutos de jogo. É desnecessário, porque se um defesa fica com amarelo ao fim de dez minutos noutra parvoíce pode ser expulso. Isso de falar é impossível que dê cartão.»

Koeman não quer que os jogadores refilem contra o árbitro e, apesar de compreender o descontentamento de João Pereira pela expulsão em Coimbra, admitiu que não gostou de ver o internacional sub-21 a gesticular contra o homem do apito: «A reacção não foi positiva. Entendo porque para mim o segundo cartão não foi falta para cartão, mas há que ter sempre paciência. Não se pode ganhar um jogo contra o árbitro. O árbitro tem a ultima palavra e há que pensar no jogo e isso é mais importante do que estar contra o árbitro. É importante ter em mente que contra o árbitro não se pode ganhar um jogo porque ele apita e manda.»

Por tudo isto, o treinador holandês não aceita que se fale de um Benfica mais motivado no primeiro jogo em casa com o Gil Vicente. Koeman quer que todos os adversários sejam encarados com a mesma postura, seja em que campo for: «Se eles estão mais motivados do que antes do primeiro jogo não é bom. Creio que um jogador de elite tem de estar sempre muito motivado para jogar fora e em casa. Um empate no primeiro jogo para uma equipa como o Benfica não é bom. Nós queremos ganhar todos os jogos. Já sabemos que não podemos ganhar todos, mas começar uma Liga ganhando é melhor. [O empate] pode ser um pouco mais de pressão para nós jogar em casa e termos de ganhar. Mas a equipa está convencida que tem de ganhar amanhã.»

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/2968/untitled1copy3ih.png
LIGA BETANDWIN.COM - Week 2
Saturday, 27th August 2005 - 21h15 TVI
at Estádio da Luz, Lisbon

Call List:

GK: Moreira, Quim

Def: Nélson, Luisão, Alcides, Ricardo Rocha, Dos Santos

Mid: Petit, M.Fernandes, Nuno Assis, Beto, Karyaka, Simão, Geovanni, H.Roque

St: Nuno Gomes, Mantorras

==

Probable 11:

Moreira
Nélson
Luisão
Anderson
Ricardo Rocha
Petit
Manuel Fernandes
Nuno Assis
Geovanni
Simão
Nuno Gomes

going to stadium now! :)

i hope later i return more happy with the result and our display :ewan:

going to stadium now! :)

i hope later i return more happy with the result and our display :ewan:



i was thinking in going as well, but i'll just save my money, watch the game on tele and then go there on the next home game, with all the new players (C)

Benfica will play with Assis in the right wing (6)

Moreira
Nelson-Luisao-Anderson-Rocha
Petit-Beto
Fernandes
Assis-Simao
Gomes

That formation is totally wrong we were playing with 3 CBs

we are losing 2 - 0 at home to a team that isn't even playing great apart from the goalkeeper.

This season is gonna be soooooooo interesting. We'll be lucky to get a UEFA cup spot by the way this is going.

Dare I say: Carlos Carneiro to the NT? (6)

Man, no words... I can not even describe what happened. Awful, awful, awful...

I'll say it once again, where are the Trap haters now?

Trap isn't doing so good either 2pts so far against the 2 newly promoted teams, and Wender B.

Man, no words... I can not even describe what happened. Awful, awful, awful...

I'll say it once again, where are the Trap haters now?


here, I didn't like Trap and I am not liking Koeman's work either.

Camacho is the only coach who did a good work with the team.

well like you may know i'm terrible sorry of spend my money on that circus of horrors...

everything was bad. our display (we hit the bottom). Gil Vicente dirty tactics to lost time
(one of the worst that i ever saw), etc

Koeman is making a terrible job (Beto on the right?!) and some key players are clearly not helping, where the **** is Simão?? i'm to pissed off with the team :kader:

It will be interesting to see Benfica's fight against relegation, especially if you lose next game. :rockman:

(bad joke, I know; but it's payback time from the start of last season's jokes against us)

Oh man, my analysis to the game:

:sb9:









































:sb9:


























































:sb9:
































































:kader: :kader:

when will koeman stop making stupid adaptations (beto on the right :boohoo: ) and use those crappy tactics ...... :nape: :fluffy:

I really hope that this isn't the team that Benfica will play in CL...or else...Portugal will be very bad represented...

Yeah, i hope Benfica improves..we don't need to be ashamed in Europe again, Ricardo did it already (6)

wow........that's all i can say

what kind of tactic did Koeman make up, cuz this is what i saw

---------------------Moreira--------------------------
--------Anderson-----Luisao-----Ricardo Rocha--------
------------------------------------------------------
Nelson------------------------------------------------
-----------Beto-------Petit------Fernandes------------
-------------------------------------------Simao------
----------------------Assis---------------------------
---------------------Gomes---------------------------

my quick analysis:
-Baptista is awesome
-Gomes was Benfica MoM
-Koeman is a tactical idiot
-Simao's missed Ok was bull
-ref ****ed up two calls---Missed Pk on Simao and Geovanni
-Once again Baptista is amazing
-did fernandes even play?
-Simao was a disappoinment
-Gil played like ****
-Carneiro in the NT team.lol

Damn, I was out of the country and when I return I see that bloody game :|. I'm shocked, seriously. That goalkeeper saved everything.. But apart from that we had to win, the goalkeeper is there to try to save as many as he can, and he managed to save a lot of them. That's not an excuse though, for instance when a penalty is well struck there's nothing a keeper can do.

I really hope we improve... We even got one of the best groups on the CL, but how good is that if we can't win a freaking match ? Because our problem is not only a stricker, Nuno Gomes was great yesterday..


I'd just like to underline the stupidity amount of anti fair-play that the ref allwoed.

From Record :


Árbitro

Rui Costa (1). Deixou passar em claro duas faltas para grande penalidade, na área do Gil Vicente, e deixou florescer o antijogo, sem que se tenha oposto.


I mean if this is gonna happen with every team we (or Sporting or Porto) play.. But what's worse the ref does nothing and then coops with it. I believe he showed a yellow card to a Gil player near the end of the match, and then they continue to waste time again.. :rolleyes:

Oh and I won't even complain about the ref's other decisions, so that I won't sound senil like Dias da Cunha.

now i saw the images on TV:

Carlitos you deserve to broke a leg! it's incredible how can he not be red carded. :kader:

wow........that's all i can say

what kind of tactic did Koeman make up, cuz this is what i saw

---------------------Moreira--------------------------
--------Anderson-----Luisao-----Ricardo Rocha--------
------------------------------------------------------
Nelson------------------------------------------------
-----------Beto-------Petit------Fernandes------------
-------------------------------------------Simao------
----------------------Assis---------------------------
---------------------Gomes---------------------------

my quick analysis:
-Baptista is awesome
-Gomes was Benfica MoM
-Koeman is a tactical idiot
-Simao's missed Ok was bull
-ref ****ed up two calls---Missed Pk on Simao and Geovanni
-Once again Baptista is amazing
-did fernandes even play?
-Simao was a disappoinment
-Gil played like ****
-Carneiro in the NT team.lol


actually no Nelson was playing Left Midfield with Beto playing right midfield, Simao behind the striker and Assis roaming behind them....WTF

BENFICA 0:2 GIL VICENTE

http://www.slbenfica.pt/Imagens/20603.jpghttp://www.slbenfica.pt/Imagens/20600

LIGA BETANDWIN.COM -Week 2
at Estádio da Luz, Lisbon - Attendance: 20.000
Ref: Rui Costa (Porto)

BENFICA – Moreira; Anderson, Luisão e Ricardo Rocha (Dos Santos, 39 m); Beto (Geovanni, 57 m), Petit, Manuel Fernandes e Nélson; Nuno Assis (Mantorras, 67 m), Nuno Gomes e Simão.

Manager: Ronald Koeman

GIL VICENTE – Jorge Baptista; Edson, Marcos António, Gregory e João Pedro; Elias, Braima e Williams (Rovérsio, 87 m); Carlitos (Rodolfo Lima, 60 m) Carlos Carneiro e Nandinho (Luís Coentrão, 69 m).

Manager: Ulisses Morais

Cards: Yellow to Carlitos (35 m), Gregory (47 m), Nandinho (63 m), Luisão (70 m), Petit (88 m) e Luís Coentrão (90 + 1 m)

Goals:
0-1 Marcos António 66'
0-2 Anderson 84'(og)

well we actually played well in the first 25m with speed and constant goal chances (Nelson was great on that period). after the injury of RR and the penalty missed the team fall a lot mentaly (this word exists? :p)

Koeman had all the pre-season to make experiments and try new tactics for Benfica. He didn't. Now when the season finally begins he starts to make non-sense inventions, like Beto has a right-wing! :nape:
I really don't think that Koeman is the right coach for Benfica. I'm not saying he's a bad coach, just don't think that he's what Benfica needs.

I've seen us lose titles before, but after what I saw yesterday, I think this year will be the fastest ever we lose a league championship. I think this year the campeonato will be decided between Porto and Braga :(

I was actually happy that we signed Koeman, I thought he would bring an attacking mentality to the team, but every time I see us play it always looks like Trap is still the coach. I understand we lack certain key players to be totally effective, but it's disgusting to see a club like Gil Vicente come to the luz and control the pace of the game and win by two clear goals. No more comments..

Does anyone else also have the feeling that Koeman won't last more than a few more games? I keep thinking that if the results don't come quick and V&V don't deliver with their promises, then he's just going to say that he can't work like this and quit..

even if 3 good players (starters) arrive which I doubt we'll start the season with more than a month delay... Koeman will have to try new systems and the players in those positions... in official games and the CL...this stinks of bad management all the way to the top.

we have to win at Alvalade. nuff said. and i believe we will.

still can't believe we didn't pick up Camacho because LFV doesn't want to ruin his personal relationship with him should things go wrong :(.

we have to give Koeman more time but so far the work he's done can't be seen, contrary to Porto where Adriaanse's work is starting to be noticed very well.

Does anyone else also have the feeling that Koeman won't last more than a few more games? I keep thinking that if the results don't come quick and V&V don't deliver with their promises, then he's just going to say that he can't work like this and quit..

Last night, after the game, I asked a Benfiquista friend what did he thought about Koeman and he told em the exact same words you did, plus he added that in Koeman's place he would quit on wednesday already, after the presentation of the new "reforços by Veiga, if the ever happen, telling the press that he was promised a team, and V&V gave him another...

And I think he you guys should blame Veiga more than Koeman (who, however, had direct reponsability in yesterday's failure).

i'm feeling that if we fail at alvalade Koeman will resign.

Well, this is a complicated situation we're in...

When I mentioned Trap's critics I wasn't saying that he would be better or something like that, because there's no way of knowing that. I was just pointing out that now I think it's obvious that we didn't win last year's title "despite Trap", but with merit from him, as well as definitely the awful performance of Porto and Sporting. I'm not talking about anyone from this forum specifically, but just general things I heard from Benfiquistas, that thought that Trap was a source of problems and that it would suffice to bring in an "attacking" coach for us to start playing good AND getting results.

About Koeman, I really don't know. He needs time, that's for sure, I don't think it would make any sense to fire him now. And to be fair, we did play very good football in the first 20 minutes yesterday and were very unlucky. But I don't know what the hell he has in his mind, to try completely absurd things, that he never did in the pre-season, from one day to another... I already said that the system he wants will be evry hard to implement at Benfica, so he has only one of two options: he changes model or he deeply believes in it and that with time we'll adapt.

But the main guilt is definitely Veiga's and Vieira's. They promised the fans and Koeman something they can't give them and they deceived them. I also begin to think that Koeman is extremely unsatisfied with this, although he doesn't show it clearly, because yesterday he even said we couldn't have played much better with the squad we currently have.

Anyway, if we lose at Alvalade (which honestly I think that unfortunately will happen given how things are), hell will set loose at Luz, there will be an awful atmosphere at the club and we'll be in for a miserable season...

On another note, like Virgo mentioned, the only coach with which we played good football with in the last years was Camacho, especially with a 4-4-2 formation.

Jo confirmed in the half time of Corinthians-Botafogo that was his last game at Corinthians... let's wait. BTW he scored the 1st goal of the Timão, the game ended in a 3-3 tie.

Erm, I believe Jo isnt the solution..he is not that gifted technically for a brazilian, he's a pure striker..and i don't think a striker is ALL slb needs..

Bout Koeman and his tactics..Benfica played better when they were playing in that "absurd" tactic you're all pissed at...

we need a striker... but an attacking midfielder too

and a winger for rotation :(

Jô is crap, I've heard brazilians saying this is the deal of the century in Brazil, 5 million € for a striker that doesn't score goals (17 goals in 100 games).

Craptastic deal if it goes through, I'd rather have a fat Jardel really or give the B team kids a chance.

Erm, I believe Jo isnt the solution..he is not that gifted technically for a brazilian, he's a pure striker..and i don't think a striker is ALL slb needs..



yeah I agree, I think we are in more need of an atticking midfeilder/playmaker more than a striker. Nuno Gomes I think would score more goals if only he got better service....and it doesn't help that he's always alone in between 3-4 defenders. Most of our crosses were sh!t too yesterday, so it doesn't matter if it's Nuno Gomes, Jo, or whoever, if they don't get the proper final pass, they won't score.

I can't judge this Jo because I've never seen him play, but if he's as poor technically as you say then I don't think he'll be very succesful with us. Didn't we loan a guy with those same qualities to Portsmouth? :|

i already heard excellent, good, bad and horrible opinions about him. :p

so if he comes i will judge myself

thinking more "friamente" now i think Koeman idea of a 3-4-3 is not that bad... let's see: we played a good first 25 minutes before Rocha injury with 2 or 3 goal chances and the team always pressuring Gil Vicente. what i think is that Koeman choosed wrong the players for the tactic. for example with Nelson on the right and Leo in the left the team could be more effective because they are 2 offensive defenders that could support the attack very well. we can't have a midfielder like Beto on the right. Beto is more useful in the centre where he could use his excellent shot and his generosity in the defensive work.

thinking more "friamente" now i think Koeman idea of a 3-4-3 is not that bad... let's see: we played a good first 25 minutes before Rocha injury with 2 or 3 goal chances and the team always pressuring Gil Vicente. what i think is that Koeman choosed wrong the players for the tactic. for example with Nelson on the right and Leo in the left the team could be more effective because they are 2 offensive defenders that could support the attack very well. we can't have a midfielder like Beto on the right. Beto is more useful in the centre where he could use his excellent shot and his generosity in the defensive work.

(Y)

another name: Cavenaghi of Spartak Moscow.

another name: Cavenaghi of Spartak Moscow.



he was great at River!! again, only believe it when he's with our shirt.

the deadline is wednesday... :rolleyes:

Diego scored an awesome goal this weekend for Flamengo :)

Erm, would you please explain me why isn't Diego in the squad? oh i see, Veiga said there was no room for him...If u ask me i can see plenty of room in that team, but that's just me...

i agree with you... it's incredible how Diego isn't here. we are the tit of the Rio clubs... we bought their best players and loaned them back :nape:

Jô scored for Corinthians this weekend :p so did Roger :o

Jô scored for Corinthians this weekend :p so did Roger :o
LOL
http://abolaremoto.abola.pt/img/cartoon/bcseg.gif

a new player will sign with us in about 1h30

it will be...














http://iit.demokritos.gr/~alexv/pictures/euro2004/misc/karagounis-cel0107.jpg


Name: Giorgios Karagounis
Nationality: Greece
Born: 1977-03-06 (28 years)
City of Birth: Pyrgos - Greece Greece
Position: Midfielder
Height: 176 Cm
Weight: 74 Kg



player arrived this morning to Lisbon and there was Veiga waiting for him at the airport.

Finally, a bit late, but meh...

Mais vale tarde do que nunca.

:rolleyes:

Anyway, good transfer.

good signing I guess, hope that the fact that he is being presented today doesn't mean that we won't present at least a striker tomorrow, lets see.

I think it's a good signing too, really late though (this may have something to do with Luisão, or then again maybe not).

On "O Jogo" edition today it's said Miccoli will come as wel, everything is set with the player, he rejected CSKA Moscow and wants to come but... Let's see, better don't believe it yet. :rolleyes:

meh.. decent player I guess, but a bit of an anti-climax after all the hype and promises.. :rolleyes:

I'll be more exited if we get Miccoli.

Good signing, definitely. Even more, knowing that it is a 3 year deal and he has come for "free".

Anyway, he's not enough... Let's wait for the other promised signing.

Good signing, definitely. Even more, knowing that it is a 3 year deal and he has come for "free".

Anyway, he's not enough... Let's wait for the other promised signing.



he's the attacking midfielder, now there is a forward vacancy left.

Still, there's a place on the wing missing.. Geovanni isn't exactly a consistent player.. Unless Koeman puts Karyaka on the wing, where he should be. The only reason he said he would play at Simão's side, is because he knew he had no chances against him and he wanted to start. He's much more impressive on wing imo.

damn... very good signing. Karagounis comes to play in the position I think was the most weak of your team. Karagounis is an excelente player. A true nº10 :(

Karagounis will wear the #10.

and Inter apparently let him come free, that's great news.

great deal for us! and now the striker please :ewan:

I'm Greek and very glad he left Inter, it was stupid he wasn't playing in Series A.
I'm sure he'll do a pretty good job for you guys, good luck with Sporting ;)

the press talk about a possible negociation with Diego Milito, argentinian striker of Genoa and with Marcelo Charrusca of Estudiantes, argentinian too.

who's the coach now at benfica?

Ronald Koeman

Karagounis will play in Kazakhstan for the greek NT and will be a pain in the ass to be available to the derby :rolleyes:

Benfica and Hearts could rent a plane together :p

Erm. he won't be the magician you're needing, believe me...He's not better than Assis IMO..but a good deal considering it was free, anyway it just seems a quick move from Veiga to shut up the unhappy at short term..

what's with you and that overrated midget Assis? Assis would be one the most inconsistent players I've ever seen, if he wasn't consitently sh*tty.

He's no Deco but he's no Assis either.

no kidding, Assis has one really good game per year... last time I saw him play really well was in the Guimaraes - Porto cup game :|

anyway it just seems a quick move from Veiga to shut up the unhappy at short term..

I wouldn't exactly call contacts that lasted for 7 months a quick move... Benfica had been interested in Karagounis since last year, as it was widely reported, but only now the deal could be done.

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/631/apreskaragounis1334rw.jpg

he will wear the legendary Nr 10 shirt

Sorry fokes, i don't think that guy will do it..now in maisfutebol.iol.pt it's written that he had "veia goleadora" back in Panathinaikos...25 goals in more than 100 games?!?! for f*** sake!!

Another star was born :nape:

We'll see in january who's asking for a real nr10 in this same thread, whining about a 28year old greek...

Sorry fokes, i don't think that guy will do it..now in maisfutebol.iol.pt it's written that he had "veia goleadora" back in Panathinaikos...25 goals in more than 100 games?!?! for f*** sake!!

Another star was born :nape:

We'll see in january who's asking for a real nr10 in this same thread, whining about a 28year old greek...

What have you seen from him to say that? I'm serious, not being sarcastic or anything here... Why do you rate him so bad that we will ask for another Nº10 in January?

From what i've seen, and i say, it may be to few games to judge, that's why i'm asking you what you've seen from him, but again, from what i've seen, he looked like a very good player to me, and finally i believe we have the Nº10 problem solved... Attack pretty well, and not a Zahovic/Assis in the defending tasks, so i believe he can also play at box-to-box/center midfielder.

PS: Correct me if i'm wrong guys, but wasn't he the guy who assisted Martins with that great play for Inter's first goal at San Siro against Benfica in Uefa Cup?

For me he isnt a nr10...Let me put it in other words, he's more of a maniche than a deco..my humble opinion again..see ya

Hmmm, ok... :S

Sorry fokes, i don't think that guy will do it..now in maisfutebol.iol.pt it's written that he had "veia goleadora" back in Panathinaikos...25 goals in more than 100 games?!?! for f*** sake!!

Another star was born :nape:

We'll see in january who's asking for a real nr10 in this same thread, whining about a 28year old greek...


C'mon man, you're just talking out of your ass now.. :nape:

I can admit that he's probably not the player I would have hoped for, and I can count on one hand how many times I've seen him play, but from what I know he seems to be a good player. We've signed him, he deserves a chance... If it's so hard for you to admit that Benfica possibly made a good signing, then why even say anything at all, nevermind talking all this crap about whining in January already.. :rolleyes:

I think he's gonna fit well with Benfica, a good passer and good shot from distance. He should play in front of Petit and M.Fernandes or in the middle of them with Simao, Nuno and Geovanni in attack.

O Jogo is saying that Juventus agreed the loan of Miccoli to Benfica. i hope it's true. our attack will be more strong now

Farewell Zorba! Good luck at Benfica. Kara is a great player and deserves the first team football he would never have gotten this year at Inter. I hope he does well for you

Goo Goo Boy, you dont know sh*t.

From someone who's actually seen him play for Inter, he's a one of a kind player. I really cant think of a bad performance he ever put in, he was only benched because of Mancini's favouritism for guys like Stankovic, Veron and Kily Gonzalez and playing them all no matter how badly they were. At first I was surprised as to why Inter signed him, but than in his first appearence (i can remember it clearly) he completely changed the match. Best way I can describe him is as an explosive offensive midfielder, but maybe not this n.10 playmaker type you guys think. Hell, maybe he can be that player as well.

Miccoli is a great signing as well if it happens. I hope if he performs well, and in CL, that Lippi wont forget him. I wish Miccoli, Karagounis and Benfica luck in CL (until they face an Italian side)

I just have a feeling that with Karagounis coming from Italy, Miccoli won't sign for us... I hope I'm wrong, but that's the impression I get.

I think that Karagounis is a good signing, at least it isn´t just another brazilian

Sorry fokes, i don't think that guy will do it..now in maisfutebol.iol.pt it's written that he had "veia goleadora" back in Panathinaikos...25 goals in more than 100 games?!?! for f*** sake!!

Another star was born :nape:

We'll see in january who's asking for a real nr10 in this same thread, whining about a 28year old greek...

dude sorry to say that but you are a dumba$$, karagounis is not a striker first of all so he wont score a lot of goals, but he has a good shot, he is brave player and he will do great for Benfica :rockman:

Miccoli is already a Benfica player for one year

News from Bola Branca, RR (as reliable source as possible)

:rockman: if it's true

Miccoli is already a Benfica player for one year

News from Bola Branca, RR (as reliable source as possible)

:rockman: if it's true


great :rockman:

he rejected CSKA, Betis, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Parma (H)

oh man if that's true he'll be instantly my favourite Benfica player along with Luisao (H)

he rejected CSKA, Betis, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Parma (H)

Of course. He didn't get any proposals from Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona...

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! Miccoli confirmed it himself :rockman:

so... let's plan our new 11:

---------------- Moreira ------------------

Nelson ----- Luisao --- RR (Anderson) --- Leo

--------Petit ---- ---- ------ MF -----------

-------------- Karagounis --------------------

Simao --------- ?? ------------ Miccoli

?? is NG or other new striker :p

what do u think?

yes, that tactic, I would take Anderson over RR though, still great lineup

According to RTP-N, Liverpool is trying to sign Simão Sabrosa.

Simão could not leave for less than 20 million € and if he leaves we need a great winger to replace him. i don't think he will leave with only less than 24 hours to sign a replacement... unless Veiga already has one.

and LFV said that we only need 10 million € per year on player sellings and we already made that amount with Miguel and Alex.

well, there's always diogo valente :p lol boa morte would be a good deal if simao goes, not for less than 25 mil though

I wouldn't sell Simao for less than 25m€... we bought him for 15m€ from Barça and even if he's a scared little c*nt in the big games, he's the one that carries our butt against the smaller teams, his goal tally speaks for himself.

I would take 20m€ + Morientes though :p

15 mil + Morientes

or

20 mil + Cissé

Cissé isn't adapting that good to the english lifestyle and the supporters don't like him, so it would be a deal.

15 mil + Morientes

or

20 mil + Cissé

Cissé isn't adapting that good to the english lifestyle and the supporters don't like him, so it would be a deal.

You shure about that? I thought that the fans like Cisse a lot, and the one who isn't adapting to their football/life style is Morientes...

the problem is that Morientes and Cisse are cup tied for uefa :p

Simão for Gerrard and we have a deal :funny:

Miccoli is an amazing signing! :bouncy: They left it to the last minute, but managed to sign a couple good players..

Heh Morientes was relatively cheap 6m€ . Cisse was very expensive like 30m€. I really doubt they would let either one leave though, if only they had signed Owen!

You shure about that? I thought that the fans like Cisse a lot, and the one who isn't adapting to their football/life style is Morientes...



after his broken leg problem he's had some trouble regaining the confidence from the kop.

Liverpool e Benfica estão separados por três milhões de euros.

De acordo com o que Maisfutebol apurou, os ingleses já admitem pagar 12 milhões de euros pelo passe de Simão Sabrosa.

Ainda segundo fonte ligada ao processo, o negócio entre Benfica e Liverpool poderia incluir também o avançado francês Cissé, que recentemente ofereceu uma supertaça europeia ao clube inglês.



15 mil + Cissé and case closed :rockman:

Please no, any deal changing players is bad, their best strikers are cup tied, and Simão is extremely important to Benfica.

If Simao leaves our season is over :nape: Dam Liverpool :rolleyes:

Also:
"Ainda segundo fonte ligada ao processo, o negócio entre Benfica e Liverpool poderia incluir também o avançado francês Cissé, que recentemente ofereceu uma supertaça europeia ao clube inglês."

now i'll dream a bit:

after a late night phone call from liverpool, José Veiga and Benfica agrees to sell Simao to Liverpool for 15 mil + Cissé. After that deal is confirmed, Veiga calls the anderlecht representatives and gives 6 mil for Wilhelmsson. Both players sign with Benfica, we find a better replacement for Simao, get Cissé and even get money for that double deal!

ok, dream over, back to reality

Cisse would be an outstanding adiction to our squad! but he is cup tied... tomorrow we will have a crazy day.

yeah but if the deal Liverpool is proposing is 12m€ + Cisse we should take it...even if he's cup tied, the season is long and we can get Cavenaghi on loan with that money for the CL and another winger.

yeah 12 M + Cisse is an unrejectable offer... only if LFV is crazy to reject that deal.

well if this happens LFV will fulfill his promise: "how was possible to sign him?" :ewan:

Damn I really don't want Simão to leave.. Where would we find a player that has at least his quality in one freaking day of transfers available ? We even need an extra winger not suppose to sell the best one. If that goes through we're going down.. Simão is a key player.

Also Cissé is a good player indeed but he's also a c*nt, remember the game against Portugal on under-21 ?

Miccoli and Karagounis in one die. 2 great captures. I'm really gonna miss Karagounis, a true fighter who never complained even though he didn't get equal opportunities. Damn Figo. If he f*cks up I'm gonna be pissed because he pushes Kara out.

Just read on "O Jogo" that LFV rejected the possibility of Cissé being included in the negotiations. He wants 16 M € for Simão.

Benfica going nuts in last 2 days.

Two excellent signings, from the best league in the world no less ;)

Forza Benfica :rockman: :rockman:

I think with an 15M€ offer for Simão it'll be very hard to keep him... and if u guys lose him then i can say u lost the heart of your team...

Miccoli is a great great signing :jambo:

About Karagounis what the hell went on here?? i never said he was a bad player, as a matter of fact i like him, he has the balls of a warrior and does everything for his club, i only don't think he's a nr10, he's a m.fernandes if u ask me, get it?
And that greek guy talking about him not being a striker..geez, read before you post dude...
Oh and if Benfica get a fine striker, man, Sporting will be 4th by the end of the season...i only don't know how the top 3 are gonna end up like between them...only my prediction (6)

I think we'll be making a big mistake if we sell Simão for 16M€ with no players involved in the deal... Simão is an essential player in our team, our best winger and probably our best player. 16M€ is very good, but if we don't have a replacement at the same level to sign, it's an awful decision to let him go...

16 M € with no players involved is a ******* **** deal. Simão is worth much more than that. Now that we had two great buys they will manage to **** all up with this?

I sure hope not... :kader:

I also really hope the deal does not happen... If it had been on the end of the season, maybe I would have said yes, but now, in the last day of the transfer period, no way. We'd be taking a lot of quality out of the team...

Simão já viajou para Liverpool para fazer testes médicos.

Mais informações já a seguir.

MaisFutebol...

NOW I'M ****ED UP!

AHHH :kader: :kader:

the press talk about a possible return of Karadas

WHAT A SH*T DEAL! The president is going to be murdered.

not only we won't sign another 20 goal a season midfielder, that's for sure, but we payed like 14m€ for Simao and now we sell him for 16m€, when hes the most important player of the Benfica team by far? WTF?

let's wait and see the outcome of this "deal"

maybe we will sign a last minute replacement. let's wait... but if not it's a bad deal (if Simão returns to his old shape if not it's good)

if Simao leave and we don't get another winger, we must recall Manu from the loan.

Guys.. let's wait. I've heard now on TSF.. Simão didn't fly to England in the plain that was scheduled. Now they don't know if he is at Lisbon or Liverpool. Scolari and the portuguese team is waiting for him in the afternoon.

let's wait. Meanwhile Miccoli will be presented at 13H00m

O Liverpool já terá chegado aos 15 milhões de euros pretendidos por Vieira, mas o presidente do Benfica permanece hesitante, receoso de perder o «capitão» e jogador mais influente do plantel.
Simão foi autorizado por Luiz Felipe Scolari a deslocar-se a Inglaterra e deixou o estágio da selecção bem cedo, antes de todos os colegas acordarem para o primeiro treino do dia, que decorre nesta altura sem o futebolista do Benfica. Por enquanto, Simão permanece em Lisboa, atento a quem decide o seu futuro.

MaisFutebol

15 milhões de euros? Parece manifestamente pouco por um jogador com a qualidade do Simão. O Sporting não vendeu o Viana por 14 milhões ao Newcastle? O Benfica já parece uma equipa desiquilibrada, se vende a referência então...I doubt that LFV will accept such offer, if he does so, i think that he will lose the "capital de confiança" that he earned with the "sócios". Estas negociações mesmo no limite da data de fecho do mercado não me parecem uma atitude inteligente. Isto vai causar mossa na equipa seguramente. Não estamos a falar de um Miguel ou de um Karadas, o jogador em questão é o capitão e um jogador fundamental no clube.
On another note, Académica signed their 13th brazilian player, Pedro Silva from Palmeiras. Im not pleased with our "politica de mercado" but i trust Nelo Vingada, who is without any doubt the most important part of our team.

but it makes no sense that we dont sell Luisao for 12m€ and sell Simao for 15m€

Benfica is asking 20M€ to release Simão or he will stay.

Bola Branca

Unfortunately, I don't have many doubts that Simão is leaving to Liverpool. :(

Awful decision, if you ask me. Simão is a symbol of the team and our best player... 15M€ is not a bad fee (we have to be realistic and the maximum we could get for Simão would be 20€) but especially in this context (at the end of the transfer limit) it's clearly not enough. As I mentioned earlier, I could have accepted this transfer, but only if it was done at the end of last season or in the pre-season. Not now, that we won't have time to find a replacement... I'm really really disappointed.

Anyway, although it's unquestionably a huge loss for us, at least it's also true that at the moment we can at least minimize the damages. We can now play Karyaka in his true position (left winger), we still have Geovanni for the right wing and both Karagounis and Miccoli can play in the wings too. And then there's Carlitos... :rolleyes: (well, if he had the brains and mentality to the level of his tecnique and potential he would be great, but unfortunately I think he's going to be another wasted talent). But we're definitely going to need a replacement for Simão in the winter break.

20 million euros is unrejectable if happens.

RR says Benfica have said offer 20m€ and Simao goes to Liverpool or no deal.

Now 20m€ is a different thing... I still wouldn't sell him but you have to think that Simao is going to double his paycheck in Liverpool and it's a great opportunity for his career when he's reaching his prime.

Just hope we can sign Whilhelmsson and a striker with that money till 6PM, which I doubt.

20 million euros is unrejectable if happens.


Unfortunately, that's true. If Liverpool is willing to give that, LFV will certainly sell him.

Just hope we can sign Whilhelmsson


now we're talking the same language

just remembered Whilhelmsson is cup tied :(

just remembered Whilhelmsson is cup tied :(


yes, he is, but the season is very long.


Miccoli will be #30

Miccoli is the last reinforcement for this season :(

Miccoli is the last reinforcement for this season :(


just heard it too, hope simao stays then.

well, we made a couple very good signings, better late than never. I'm not too worried about not signing a striker because I think Nuno Gomes can render a lot more than he has, especially now with quality players in support.

The real problem wasn't the lack of striking options. The real problem was we didn't have enough players to get the ball upfront for Nuno or Mantorras to get chances to score. And now we have Karagounis in the midfield and Miccoli as support (as a fake right winger, for instance) to the striker.

EDIT: But if Simão leaves, there HAS GOT TO BE a replacement. No matter what.

Miccoli is better on the left IMO

Well, the novel continues:

Benfica: Simão Sabrosa não sai para o Liverpool
[ 2005/08/31 | 13:37 ] Redacção MaisFutebol

Os dirigentes do Benfica estão cada menos tentados a deixar sair Simão Sabrosa para o Liverpool.

De acordo com o que Maisfutebol apurou, nas últimas horas Luís Filipe Vieira fez novas exigências que o Liverpool não acompanhou.

Além disso, os responsáveis entenderam que por se tratar do último dia do mercado não teriam possibilidade de encontrar alguém que pudesse suprir a saída do capitão.

O fim das negociações ainda não é oficial, mas é o cenário mais provável e deverá ser confirmado nas próximas horas.

Well, all I can say is that I hope this is really true and that Simão stays with us at least until the winter break.

http://www.gazzetta.it/Hermes%20Foto/2005/08/31/0IM381JF--400x280.jpg

http://www.gazzetta.it/Hermes%20Foto/2005/08/31/0IM381JF--400x280.jpg

haha that's an awesome photo! :clapwap:

I hope Vitoria poops on him. :D

Simão will stay

The board rejected 18m€ for Simao, good move :ewan:

so:


--------------- Quim -------------

- Nelson --- RR --- Luisao --- Leo -

------- Petit ------- MF ----------

---------- Karagounis -------------

--- Miccoli ------------- Simao ---

-------------- Nuno -------------



what do you think?

----------Moreira----------
Nelson-Luisao-Anderson-Leo
----------Petit-------------
--------M.Fernandes--------
---------Karagounis---------
----------------------Simao-
---Miccoli-------------------
----------N.Gomes----------

4x3x3 is the way to go

Aye good move indeed. Why sell your star player now? The timing is totally wrong. With the pressure of the deadline, i doubt that Benfica would be able to sign a decent cover for Simão.

Azar Karadas has cut short his loan spell at Portsmouth to return to Benfica after just a month at Fratton Park


Karadas's back :D

hah is that confirmed? Better than nothing I guess :D

Meh, Karagounis and Miccoli will both fail horribly because every player Koeman signs fails

Karadas!! (H)

where do you saw that?

I actually liked Karadas! :) I think he suffered from lack of service too last season, I think he's also the type of player that his scorring will depend mostly on those around him given his lack of technical ability. His size and strength are a big asset in our league too.

I sure hope it's true, he'll be needed when CL time comes. I thought he was actually doing quite well in pre-season, the whole loan was bizarre IMO..

Sky Sports it's saying that Karadas will stay at Portsmouth... :fool:

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has refuted reports in Portugal that Azar Karadas has returned to Benfica.

The Norway international joined Pompey on a season-long loan last month but has made an inglorious start to life in The Premiership.

Karadas!! (H)

where do you saw that?



sky news

well they already said the opposite :(

bleh Portsmouth denied it, we need a tall striker bad and the transfer window closes in 2.30h

Karadas exit was an error since the beginning :nape:

:lui: :lui: :lui: :lui:

:O I never knew Simao was so highly rated. Youd think theyd try and make room for him in the Portuguese NT

:O I never knew Simao was so highly rated.

Only by Benfica fans, because he's above average over there.

Only by Benfica fans, because he's above average over there.

Keep on trying, someday you will be funny (Y)

:O I never knew Simao was so highly rated. Youd think theyd try and make room for him in the Portuguese NT


Simao doesn't do sh*t for the NT, he's the best player in the country at club level though.

Keep on trying, someday you will be funny (Y)

I wasn't trying, I was talking seriously; I do that too, you know.

Of course, Simão is only an "above avarage" player. Why Liverpool was willing to pay 18 M€ just beats me. Tsc tsc that Benitez is going mad :rolleyes:

Simão is a very good player, I didn't said nothing against it, but he's not the best in Portugal, like Virgo said, that's for sure.

Simao passes medical
by Francisco Acedo - created on 31 Aug 2005

Portugal international Simao Sabrosa has passed a medical as he closes on a move to Liverpool.

The Benfica winger is expected to join the European champions prior to Wednesday's transfer deadline in a deal worth €15 million (£10 million).

Simao is understood to have agreed personal terms with Liverpool, having been granted permission to leave Portugal's training camp to discuss his switch to Anfield.

The wide man's agent Jorge Baidek has confirmed to skysports.com that the talks are heading towards a positive conclusion.

"Now the operation is very advanced and we wait for a final solution in the next few hours," Baidek told skysports.com.

However, Benfica are thought to be trying to block Simao's move to The Premiership as they are loath to lose the right winger.

Benfica are reportedly trying to change the details of the deal in an attempt to thwart Liverpool's bid to sign the former Barcelona player.

There have been suggestions that Benfica want Djibril Cisse in part exchange but that appears to be an unlikely scenario.

Simao is expected back at the Portuguese training camp later in the day and will hope there is no last minute hitch.

That's kinda late isn't it ? He WON'T go to Liverpool.


«Simão não fica contrariado no Benfica» (José Veiga)

O responsável pelo futebol do Benfica está plenamente convencido que Simão não ficará contrariado no Benfica, mesmo tendo em conta a proposta milionária apresentada pelo Liverpool, onde o «capitão» da Luz ia receber 3 milhões de euros por temporada.

Estou convencido que o Simão não fica contrariado, porque ele é um grande profissional e tem demonstrado isso mesmo ao longo dos anos que tem jogado no Benfica. É o nosso “capitão” de equipa e sabendo do seu espírito de sacrifício sei que fica de corpo e alma para nos ajudar nas futuras grandes vitórias que ambicionamos», realçou José Veiga em declarações à Renascença.


O responsável do futebol «encarnado» abordou ainda o actual plantel do Benfica e assegurou que o único jogador que não foi possível contratar foi o avançado dinamarquês Tomasson, que assinou pelo Estugarda.

O responsável do futebol «encarnado» abordou ainda o actual plantel do Benfica e assegurou que o único jogador que não foi possível contratar foi o avançado dinamarquês Tomasson, que assinou pelo Estugarda.


And I'm the one that is accused of trying to be funny...

even when Deco was here Simao scored and assisted more than him, if he's not the best player of our league who is it? Liedson? Diego? :rofl:

Simao is a wanker but his career stats speak for himself.

a winger that scores 20 goals per season is above average... :funny:

a winger that scores 20 goals per season is above average... :funny:

How many of those are PK's?

And me, that i thought that above average was a good thing :rolleyes:

How many of those are PK?

last year were 5... so? and a penalty isn't a part of the game? or a goal on a PK isn't a goal? and how many of them were excellent freekicks? and how many of them were excellent shots? yes he is above average and Sporting players are the best football in the universe, we always know that...

Liga Betandwin.com??? I think I missed something big. Is our league sponsered by Betandwin now???

so, how many pks did liedson scored last season?

Liga Betandwin.com??? I think I missed something big. Is our league sponsered by Betandwin now???



er... yes. it's been widely discussed over the last month. :jambo:

er... yes. it's been widely discussed over the last month. :jambo:

Yeah, I've been distracted with the Real Madrid transfer sagas. :)

How many of those are PK's?

And me, that i thought that above average was a good thing :rolleyes:

Mario Jardel was the greatest finisher of all time (that i can remember) yet he scored way to many goals from PK's for Sporting didn't he? That doesn't make him an above average player...

Simão scores 20 goals per season? huh huh(Y) in your dreams

IMO he was a brilliant player at Sporting and Barça, but since he returned to Portugal he just does the same thing on the left wing over and over again...he only succeeds here because most of the teams have really slow RB's...

The best thing he ever did was the cross to Postiga's goal against England :rockman:

Benfica should sign Marcel for the striker spot...My humble opinion again :ewan:

Simão scores 20 goals per season? huh huh(Y) in your dreams


the numbers don't lie...

last season: 22 goals (15 league 3 cup 4 uefa)

and it wasn't his best performance... in 02/03 he scored 18 goals only in the league. so only in our dreams... :rolleyes:

Oh, please, that's just because Benfica doesn't have a competent striker, it's like those 3rd div teams where the best player even if he's a CB is the best scorer..

And i don't include the national cup in the goalsheet...

P.S. whatever if you love him, keep loving him, not my business, i'll start posting in this thread just to say how wonderful Benfica is, and how glourious it was...please, stop being so damn affected, i'm just trying to point out what in my view are things to correct in your club...and one of those things is Simão..i believe it would only strenghten your team to sell him for that price(don't believe anyone will ever make a higher bid) and stop depending on that whining captain, that wanted to leave your club just because Hélder was the captain...see ya

C'mon man, you're just talking out of your ass now.. :nape:

And you are doing it again... :jap:

So you think Benfica should've sold Simão even for 18€ M but with no time to find a replacement for him ? Yes, that would actually favour your club, so I understand your position. Your whole post is a laugh. You don't like him so you can't admit his quality.

And before comming here to trash talk Benfica why don't you do some effort to correct things at your club ? I'll give you some help, start by firing the SAD directors and get rid of pdc that great admiror of super-dragões. That whole Valente situation was just another episode to the sucessive sh*t they've made.

remind me again how many goals your competent striker McCarthy scored last season Goo Goo Boy.

and yes he scores that many goals because he's our best player and a class above the rest, that's correct and it's a fact. You're giving us reason.

1st- Yes i think Benfica should have sold Simão AND hire a striker; and have Manú in their squad. (and i don't understand why you're all so emotional about it, i know benfiquistas who think that way too)

2nd- When i speak about Benfica i don't do it as a porto fan i do it as a portuguese that would like his League to become the best possible.

3rd- I'm Talking out of my ass? I'm expressing my opinion, and as controversial as it is, it isn't insulting anyone in this forum is it? I think Simão should be sold, is it that hard to believe that someone thinks that way?

4th- About Porto, i'm the first to disagree when something's against what i think is best for my club. Things i'd like to change? well, get Reinaldo outta there, take out the privilegies and the scandalous interference SD have in the club. etc, etc...

5th- If i was the one in charge McCarthy would be gone a looong time ago..he isn't a competent striker imo, and has a lot of troubles beside that...He plays well when he wants to: 1 in 5 games

6th- "he's our best player and a class above the rest" ; boys, i just don't get how such a big club of my country depends so much in a spoiled player, whom in international games doesn't help his team (either Benfica or the NT) at all.



If you all want to bitch about what i think or say, do it, no problem, but i never tried to dash Benfica as an institution or its fans...As a matter of fact, i care for Benfica just as i do for every portuguese team, and just because i don't celebrate your goals in the national competitions, it doesn't mean my opinions about the team are less important than yours...

But if any opinion against Simão or coming from a portista is bullshiat for ya'll and if you want me not to comment on this thread, may your will be satisfied, i won't post here problem solved, seems like i'll be doing you all a favour :)

Chill :jambo:

If you all want to bitch about what i think or say, do it, no problem, but i never tried to dash Benfica as an institution or its fans...As a matter of fact, i care for Benfica just as i do for every portuguese team, and just because i don't celebrate your goals in the national competitions, it doesn't mean my opinions about the team are less important than yours...

But if any opinion against Simão or coming from a portista is bullshiat for ya'll and if you want me not to comment on this thread, may your will be satisfied, i won't post here problem solved, seems like i'll be doing you all a favour :)

Chill :jambo:

Man, of course you have every right to express your opinion and in fact I like to hear opinions from supporters of other clubs regarding Benfica too. But honestly, some of the things you said really don't make much sense... Let me give you an example, especially with this:

Simão scores 20 goals per season? huh huh(Y) in your dreams

IMO he was a brilliant player at Sporting and Barça, but since he returned to Portugal he just does the same thing on the left wing over and over again...he only succeeds here because most of the teams have really slow RB's...

The best thing he ever did was the cross to Postiga's goal against England :rockman:

Sorry to say, but all of those comments can't be taken seriously. You may truly think that, but then, sorry to say, you're not being realistic. You're letting your opinion and feelings talk over facts.

Simão IS a player that scores around 20 goals per season when he's on form. Also, it's completely ridiculous to say he was better at Sporting and Barça! Come on!?!? At Sporting he was still only a very promising youngster and at Barça Simão played little and didn't deliver. You can't be serious when you compare what he has achieved with Benfica and his performances here with the ones at the other clubs.

And saying that Simão only is good here because the RBs are weak is a huge nonsense... Well, the RB's are the same for every team in the league, so why doesn't another LW play as well as Simão and be as important (in goals and assists) as him?

And also saying that the ONLY good thing Simão did was the cross to Postiga is like: :rolleyes:. Yeah, right, cause he never scored amazing free-kicks and long range shots, he never assisted briliantly his team mates, he never scored decisive goals (some of them against Porto), etc, etc, etc. In fact, in his whole career, with several great moments, comes down to ONE assist for the NT. Right...

Sorry, it's not the fact that you ahve an opinion that doesn't favour Simão, it's just that you clearly let your subjective dislike for him overcome the objective qualities he has. Simão has more than shown that he probably is the best Portuguese player on the league (or at least one of the very best) and that's undeniable. Mourinho, who is the coach and the ability/potential judger everybody knows, has more than once expressed how good he thinks Simão is and he even told last year, that when he was here with Chelsea and they watched a Benfica game, all of the Chelsea players were amazed with him and asked how it was possible for him to still be playing in Portugal. Also, experienced and respected persons in the football world, that worked with him, like Camacho and Trap all had great compliments for him and emphasized how he is a great player and fundamental to Benfica.

You may not like Simão and even think he's overrated, that's fine, but some of the things you said go beyond that and it's more like a "birra", because even when you don't like a player you have to recognize the facts about him.

first he said that Simão didn't scored 20 goals per season, next facing the logic of the numbers, said that he only scored because benfica don't have decent strikers! so we don't have decent strikers Simão's goals don't have any value. the only goals that count are the striker's goals. bias as it's best... what bothers him is the fact that he stays... and why i'm affected? you read my posts about his possible exit? off course not...

PS: if the RB's of our league are so weak to let crap Simão score so many goals why the wonderful Porto wingers didn't scored tons of goals? ah yeah Porto has a decent striker... :rolleyes:

Read the first paragraph of the text :funny: :evil: :rofl:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/4203062.stm

they want to take titles of Mourinho career :funny:

O plantel do Benfica trabalhou, esta manhã, no Estádio Nacional apenas com 10 jogadores disponíveis para Ronald Koeman. Aos presentes nos trabalhos das várias selecções, juntam-se os lesionados Ricardo Rocha, Petit, Bruno Aguiar e... Nuno Assis.

lots of work for our medical team :rolleyes:

Simão IS a player that scores around 20 goals per season when he's on form. Also, it's completely ridiculous to say he was better at Sporting and Barça! Come on!?!? At Sporting he was still only a very promising youngster and at Barça Simão played little and didn't deliver. You can't be serious when you compare what he has achieved with Benfica and his performances here with the ones at the other clubs. .

Last year he scored 15 in the League right? 5 of them pks right? If Geovanni had been the one chosen to score those penalties wouldn't that make him the best scorer of your team? wouldn't you sell him for 18million? About Sporting..i think he was such a better player (and no, i don't prefer SCP over SLB), i mean he did all kind of dribbles, and didn't depend so much on the FK's to be noticed, but that's just me! i also think McCarthy was better when he was on loan at porto; i also think that Ricardo did way better at Boavista than he does at Sporting; i also think that Tiago played better at Benfica than he does now...Why am i being biased by saying that i think Simão is playing worse now, just because he scores more FKs and PKs now, which provides him more goals and assists?
Statistics ain't all, Fary scored alot of goals, is he a brilliant striker? when a team plays just for you, you'll end up having the best sheet...My opinion..McCarthy was our best scorer, and for me he wasn't our best striker, but he got more chances, and the team was used to play for him, and whenever Fabiano was in the field they rarely provided him authentic assists, he had to create most of them from scratch...

And saying that Simão only is good here because the RBs are weak is a huge nonsense... Well, the RB's are the same for every team in the league, so why doesn't another LW play as well as Simão and be as important (in goals and assists) as him?

Nonsense? Yes our League's LW suck. Otherwise we wouldn't have a player like Wender elected the best LW of last year's League...I have absolutely no problems saying Simão is probably our League's best LW but i trully believe Benfica would be better out with a 18 million striker...

And also saying that the ONLY good thing Simão did was the cross to Postiga is like: :rolleyes:. Yeah, right, cause he never scored amazing free-kicks and long range shots, he never assisted briliantly his team mates, he never scored decisive goals (some of them against Porto), etc, etc, etc. In fact, in his whole career, with several great moments, comes down to ONE assist for the NT. Right...

I didn't say the only thing, i said the best thing :jambo: and i believe it was the best, because it was the most relevant thing he did for our football, it wasn't the best thing in technicall terms of course, but it was the most meaningful...at least for me, if i may...

Sorry, it's not the fact that you ahve an opinion that doesn't favour Simão, it's just that you clearly let your subjective dislike for him overcome the objective qualities he has. Simão has more than shown that he probably is the best Portuguese player on the league (or at least one of the very best) and that's undeniable. Mourinho, who is the coach and the ability/potential judger everybody knows, has more than once expressed how good he thinks Simão is and he even told last year, that when he was here with Chelsea and they watched a Benfica game, all of the Chelsea players were amazed with him and asked how it was possible for him to still be playing in Portugal. Also, experienced and respected persons in the football world, that worked with him, like Camacho and Trap all had great compliments for him and emphasized how he is a great player and fundamental to Benfica.

A friend of mine once meat Trap last year, and asked him if he thought Simão was the best SLB player...He said he was top 5..The best player for him was Fernandes...one thing is what u say in front of a journalist you know..it's like all the GK's that were interviewed last week about Ricardo's skills and just answered it was bad luck (6) I'm sure most of'em will answer u differently if u have a chat with'em...with this i'm not saying he isn't a good player and one of the best of our league, but again, he isn't that essential for your team: i think the liverpool thing was a good deal for Benfica, and i think he was better before, or promised more, etc,etc...

what bothers him is the fact that he stays...

Sweet child of mine :boohoo: grow up dude...
Punkt, boy, i'll try to get this clear again cause i'm in a good mood :jap: : I think it's kinda hypocrite to say Simão is a 20goals per season player... He's that kind of player in SLB because he's more in charge than the coach, in a team like Liverpool he wouldn't kick all PK's and near FK's of the team, therefore he would prolly score half of the goals he scores in Benfica..
I believe his 20 goals in 3 competions, half of them in Fk's and Pk's , don't pay off the bad influence he brings into the the team playing style and harmony.

Sorry for posting, i really felt the need to answer (C) :)
I PROMISE i'll just post my nonsenses in the other threads, chill out and reach the CL Final for an all portuguese game :borat:

it's not me that is saying, his career stats are screaming that... the rest is pure bla bla bla.

You don't bother me with your post at all. I like reading them and your answer was fine. I also don't think you were being biased (at least not in a clubistic way), but I do feel that you were/are letting subjectiveness get in the way. I just happen to deeply disagree with your opinion and don't quite understand some of the things you said (cause they don't seem very logic), but hey, that's what forums are for... Confronting opinions. :)

P.S. About the 20 goals thing, I was obviously referring to the Portuguese league. I wasn't saying he would be a 20 goals player in England, that' unthinkable, if he scored 10 it would already be excellent. But I also don't see what's the problem in being an excellent free kick taker. One of my favorite players, Nakamura (obvious from my username, no? lol), almost only scores from dead ball situations. The goals have the same value and relevance as any other (and probably most of the time are much more spectacular) and besides it's an increasingly important thing in modern football. And regarding penalties, having the composure and tecnique to score them is also a merit. Not all players are good penalty takers, even when they are excellent players.

Nakamura just for curiosity, you said you are half-brazilian. you have the accent? and you born here or there?

BTW i like Inter too. :ewan: maybe because of the kit colours but i always simpathized with them.

Oooooh! u're saying i'm biased against the player? Sure, when i dislike a player i really really dislike him(Y) Nuno Valente, Ricardo, etc..and sure i may exagerate about some aspects, but it's not in a way to harm Benfica, it's not bcs i'm a portista, i actually trully honestly believe Benfica would be better out wihout him, cause i don't rate him as high as most people do..I'm glad u got it Nakamura(btw, he's one of my favourite players too, can't believe how Celtic managed to get him), if im being biased is towards the player, not the club... (C)

Off topic : you guys will be happy if you get WE 9 then. Nakamura he's in the intro, the final part being only about him, scoring a free kick and besides he can do the Ronaldinho "virgula", while strangely players with much more technique can't :| . But hey, he's japonsese so it's kinda understandable :p

Lol, but besides the freekicks, he has very good passing skills, and his ball control is just stylish..
when he has the ball he's a left-footed version of Rui Costa when he was 25, simply brilliant, for me he's very underrated(well, in Europe; in Japan he isn't underrated for sure=p)

Nakamura just for curiosity, you said you are half-brazilian. you have the accent? and you born here or there?

BTW i like Inter too. maybe because of the kit colours but i always simpathized with them.

No, I don't have the accent (although I can fake it pretty well and when I'm in Brazil I sometimes use it with people that have a hard time understanding our Portuguese :D) and I was born here, in Lisbon. But my mother is Brazilian, Gaúcha (like Scolari, lol), more specifically from Porto Alegre. As a result of this, I have Brazilian nationality besides the Portuguese. I have lots of family there and I go there from time to time.

I have an uncle who's a big football lover and fanatic about Internacional (aka Colorado) and he's the responsible for my love for the club. When I go there he always takes me to their games. Also, the Benfica similarities help (the colours and the kit, the fact that it's traditionally the "people's club", etc). BTW, did you guys know that Inter's stadium, Beira Rio, was inaugurated in 1969 precisely against Benfica? :)

This year Inter's already won the 4th Gaúchão (the regional championship) in a row, their 37th overall and right now they're 2nd in the Brasileirão. I hope they can keep up and finish at least in a Libertadores place. Although what would be truly awesome would be to win another championship, something that Inter hasn't reached since the 70's (they were 3 times Brazilian champions, all in this decade, in 1975, 1976 and 1979 - and the only undefeated champion ever, like Benfica). I take this opportunity to publicite their official website, which is very cool: http://www.internacional.com.br/ :P

Off topic : you guys will be happy if you get WE 9 then. Nakamura he's in the intro, the final part being only about him, scoring a free kick and besides he can do the Ronaldinho "virgula", while strangely players with much more technique can't :| . But hey, he's japonsese so it's kinda understandable :p

Yeah, I know! ^_^ I'm a huge PES/WE addicted (by far the best football simulation there is) and I've been playing WE9 with my friends a lot over these few weeks. It's great to see Nakamura and Zico there (Zico is one of my all-time favorite players).

Lol, but besides the freekicks, he has very good passing skills, and his ball control is just stylish..
when he has the ball he's a left-footed version of Rui Costa when he was 25, simply brilliant, for me he's very underrated(well, in Europe; in Japan he isn't underrated for sure=p)

Totally agree, Nakamura is pure class and I also think he's somewhat similar to Rui Costa (another of my favorite players). He's a true "regista", a good old #10. The way he controls the ball is delightful, his vision is excellent and he makes incredible pinpoint passes. Besides, he's a deadly free kick taker! His major problem is definitely the lack of physical strenght and sometimes of consistency... If it wasn't for that, he would be one of the very best players in the world. Anyone that sees the game he made against France in the 2003 Confederations Cup or even this year against Brazil can't help but be amazed at his talent, especially if you like these sort of players, the "fantasistas", the playmakers...

I still have the dream of one day seeing him play at Benfica (never will happen, I know, but one can dream) and a player like him (the famous #10 we don't have) sure is much needed by us.

Nakamura has a porblem with finishing aswell as you can see in the game against Brazil in the Confed Cup. Otherwise he is a very good player.

No, I don't have the accent (although I can fake it pretty well and when I'm in Brazil I sometimes use it with people that have a hard time understanding our Portuguese :D) and I was born here, in Lisbon. But my mother is Brazilian, Gaúcha (like Scolari, lol), more specifically from Porto Alegre. As a result of this, I have Brazilian nationality besides the Portuguese. I have lots of family there and I go there from time to time.

I have an uncle who's a big football lover and fanatic about Internacional (aka Colorado) and he's the responsible for my love for the club. When I go there he always takes me to their games. Also, the Benfica similarities help (the colours and the kit, the fact that it's traditionally the "people's club", etc). BTW, did you guys know that Inter's stadium, Beira Rio, was inaugurated in 1969 precisely against Benfica? :)

This year Inter's already won the 4th Gaúchão (the regional championship) in a row, their 37th overall and right now they're 2nd in the Brasileirão. I hope they can keep up and finish at least in a Libertadores place. Although what would be truly awesome would be to win another championship, something that Inter hasn't reached since the 70's (they were 3 times Brazilian champions, all in this decade, in 1975, 1976 and 1979 - and the only undefeated champion ever, like Benfica). I take this opportunity to publicite their official website, which is very cool: http://www.internacional.com.br/ :P


now i know why i tend to like them. my inconscient brought me to it :p

they play today for the sulamericana with São Paulo. BTW Tinga is making a great season :ewan:

BTW Tinga is making a great season :ewan:

Roger too :ewan:

they play today for the sulamericana with São Paulo.

Yes, they did and they went through, eliminating the Libertadores winner! :rockman:

They had won 2-1 at Beira Rio and yesterday drew 1-1 at Morumbi. I hope they can have a run in Sul-Americana as good as last year, when they went to the final and lost to Boca (well, it would be better if this time Inter won), but it will be very hard.

we signed an argentinian CB for the B team in the last day of the market.

Pablo Nieto, 20 years old ex-Club Almagro

Benfica has started the selling of the CL tickets. the fans could buy a ticket pack for the 3 games.

tomorrow i will buy my pack :)

Pack 3 Jogos
Liga dos Campeões

Bancadas
Sócio Público

Bancada Sapo (Central)

Piso 0 inferior
50 euros 75 euros

Piso 0 superior
62,5 euros 87,5 euros

Piso 1
112,5 euros 150 euros

Piso 3 inferior
50 euros 75 euros

Piso 3 superior
37,5 euros 62,5 euros

Bancada PT Comunicações (Central)

Piso 0 inferior
50 euros 75 euros

Piso 0 superior
62,5 euros 87,5 euros

Piso 1
112,5 euros 150 euros

Piso 3 inferior
50 euros 75 euros

Piso 3 superior
37,5 euros 62,5 euros

Bancada Coca-Cola (Cabeceira)

Piso 0 inferior
30 euros 55 euros

Piso 0 superior
37,5 euros 62,5 euros

Piso 1
75 euros 112,5 euros

Piso 3 inferior
37,5 euros 62,5 euros

Piso 3 superior
30 euros 55 euros

Bancada Sagres (Cabeceira)

Piso 0 inferior
30 euros 55 euros

Piso 0 superior
37,5 euros 62,5 euros

Piso 1
75 euros 112,5 euros

Piso 3 inferior
37,5 euros 62,5 euros

Piso 3 superior
30 euros 55 euros

http://www.sl-benfica.com/extras/fotos/t5set_413.jpg


great pic (H)

da man is in action :D

SPORTING 2:1 BENFICA

http://www.slbenfica.pt/Imagens/20901.jpghttp://www.slbenfica.pt/Imagens/20899.jpg

Liga Betandwin.com - Week 3
Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
Attendance: 43.172
Ref: Paulo Costa (Porto)

SPORTING: Nélson; Rogério, Tonel, Polga, Tello; Luís Loureiro, João Moutinho, Sá Pinto (Pinilla 85'); Douala (João Alves 77'), Deivid (Wender 66'), Liedson.

BENFICA: Moreira; Luisão, Anderson, Ricardo Rocha; João Pereira (Nuno Gomes 46'), Manuel Fernandes, Karagounis (Alcides 68'), Nelson; Carlitos (Beto 57') ,Miccoli e Simão

Goals:
1-0 Luis Loureiro 37'
1-1 Simão 65'
2-1 Liedson 75'

Cards:
Yellow - Luis Loureiro 31', Tonel 77', Nélson 85' / Beto 90'
Red: Ricardo Rocha 51'

Right now we are 15th on the standings, fantastic!

I don't even want to imagine the situation we'll be in if we don't win our next 2 home games, against Lille for the CL and against Leiria for the Liga... It's true that it's still early and Koeman needs time and blablabla, but the truth is we're playing awfully, we don't have a defined system, our players aren't motivated and we're having our worst start of the season ever, having already jeopardized our League campaign immensely.

I want to see results and performances now.

we don't have a defined system,



that's the main problem IMO. i think Koeman must stop his inventions and put the team playing in the regular 4x4x2 with NG and Miccoli in the attack. that was the tactic of Camacho most of times and we played a great football in that second half of 02/03 season.

---------- Moreira ------------

Nélson - Luisão - Anderson - Leo

Geovanni - Karagounis - Petit - Simão

---- Nuno Gomes - Miccoli ---------

simple without stupid inventions, and the team will be more "rotinada" with the tactic and we have a player box-to-box now like Tiago with Camacho (Karagounis),. and i bet that's the line up for wednesday. maybe RR on the left instead of Leo.

^ I'd like to see that formation. The only con imo would be letting either Petit or Fernandes out, but Manel is not on his form, so..

I think that's much better then the 5-4-1/3-4-3.

Also, we have 2 natural left-backs, why not use one of them ? Dos Santos was getting the job done well..

http://sic.sapo.pt/online/noticias/desporto/20050913+kits+benfica.htm :rofl:

E tu, já compraste o teu?
E o tabuleiro do 24 Horas, já compraste?

we all knew the 300.000 associates goal was BS, only you didn't it appears.

We gained 50% more of associates since the beggining of the campaign therefore, it can't be anything but a success.

We are now the biggest club in the world in associate number anyway. Wanna compare numbers with Sporting?

"O pior cego é aquele que não quer ver"

we all knew the 300.000 associates goal was BS, only you didn't it appears.


That means that from now we can not believe anything that LFV says, because it can be BS.
He even promised to resign if he didn't got the 300.000.
That's 2 BS in a row!
Papagaio!

We are now the biggest club in the world in associate number anyway.

Do you really believe in that? Do you have figures to prove it? Or you are just saying it for saying it?

[b][i]
That means that from now we can not believe anything that LFV says, because it can be BS.

True, a large part of what he says is bullsh*t, specially in what regarded signings this summer. Just like Dias da Cunha but Dias da Cunha has head problems so we can apologize him.

LFV has lost all credibility in my eyes and in the eyes of a lot of people with the amount of crap he put out in his pre-season interviews.

About the numbers, I've read it more than once dunno where now, I'm sure Punkt can come up with the numbers.

btw I was just informed that we spent 4m€ in publicity for the kit. This amount is just INSANE. We got a 3m€ direct revenue from it and we'll get more with the "quotas" but it's still just disgusting to think 4m€ were spent in stupid pub.

Koeman! Koeman!