End of the Line?

If you are one of the few readers that visits my modest blog, you know very well that I am a full supporter of Quique's continuity, but judging from everything that has been recently published in the media(as if they were always the most credible sources), the end of the line is near for Quique.


You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that Quique has made some mistakes this year. He hasn't always made the right choices, and some of his press conferences statements, don't always carry the typical Benfica spirit tone a coach should have.

In the world of football, and especially Benfica of recent years, you're only as good as your last showing. Does anyone remember the man who led this team to their best start in 14 years?
It's very easy to say that Quique stinks, and that he is this, and that, and that he is not the coach for Benfica. It's very easy to say that now that Benfica has failed practically every objective that was set at the beginning of the season.
For all of those that think that Quique shouldn't continue, you should take a step back and put things in perspective.

For one, there's no one else that knows this team like Quique, his work and training methods have been assimilated by the team, and are what the team knows, and feels the most comfortable with, His knowledge of the players is much more comprehensive today.
Second, this whole season there has been player evolution and growth under Quique's guide. Maxi, Miguel Vitor are classic examples. Think about the Maxi of last year and the Maxi of this year. Third, this team has been built around Quique's ideology.

With a new coach coming in, you will have new methods, new ideologies, and the team will suffer a certain shuffle as to what they were used to doing with Quique. Most likely players will have to adapt different roles, new ways of playing.
Think about what that will do to the team. I admit that I expected more from the team after 9 months of work, but at least it's not a square 1, which is where a new coach will start it at.

I believe a foundation as been laid and that it can only improve from here.
Quique has had a year to learn, he has learned about the league, he has learned about the opponents, he has learned about the lopsided refereeing and most importantly i hope he has learned from his mistakes.
I think last week's game was the first time I saw Quique argue with a referee, a sign that he has finally opened his eyes.
I really believe that with a couple of tweaks and added depth, this team can very well win the league next year.

One thing is certain, this constant revolving door of coaches every year, has done more harm to the team than good.
I have faith that logical thinking will overcome the hasty decisions to change, and that Rui Costa will continue to believe in the man he felt was the most capable for this 3 year project, but from everything that has been written, it's very probable that this saturday's game will be the last game we see Quique Flores on the sidelines.