Switzerland Day 2

Benfica's first full day of the Swiss mini camp was composed of three sessions, as will the rest of the days with the exception of Monday and Tuesday(matchdays).
Only one of the three sessions was open to the media and the public, hence the information that arrives through the media is limited.

The first session served mainly to work on the physical aspect of the team, while the second session was devoted to tactical aspects.
The third session was a little shorter than the day before, but even so, it is possible to start figuring some of what JJ is trying to do with the team. The formation will be without a doubt the 4-4-2 in a diamond configuration with Aimar being at of ends of the diamond. The rest of the midfield is still to find their other components, as several players have taken turns playing the different ends of the diamond, with the exception of the above mentioned Aimar. Yebda, Carlos Martins, Jorge Ribeiro, Ruben Amorim, DiMaria, and David Luiz have all played in the midfield.

In the back line, the situation has been a bit different, part of it because of lack of options(due to injuries, and Luisao's absence), part of it because JJ likes to build his teams from the defense forward. Maxi and Sepsi have been on the sides of the defense, while in the middle it's been the junior Roderick and Miguel Vitor, as both Sidnei and David Luiz are not 100% to be part of the regular training session. Up front, Saviola and Cardozo seem to be the starting duo.

Speaking of injuries, Balboa and the aforementioned David Luiz and Sidnei are still under care of Benfica's medical departments. The first one, just like the day before, continues to undergo treatment and has not even been together with his team mates. Luiz and Sidnei, also like the day before, continue to warm up the team, but will then do specific work as part of rehabilitation. Mantorras also did specific work, but this is all part of his day to day.

In the first press conference of this mini camp, Maxi was the chosen player by Benfica to face the media, below is the press conference that is in today's "A Bola" that i have translated to english.

The Uruguayan International right back speaks like he plays, always consistent without compromising himself, without making mistakes.
He could have surprised many by stating that porto is the favorite, in virtue of being the current champion, but Maxi also knows that titles are demanded of Benfica and the team is prepared to meet those demands.

How is the start of the season going, with a new coach and new working methods?

We are working well and listening to what the coach tells us. With every day that goes by we understand more and more what he asks of us. He works a lot with the defenders, which is good for me. When a new coach arrives, we have to listen to what he has to say, so that we can play like he wants in the games.

Has he spoken a lot with the team?

He talks a lot with the players, both on an individual level and on a collective level, so that we can get it in our heads how he wants us to play.
In my case he tells me how he wants the defense to move and how the side backs should play. We have to be attentive, as he is a coach who has done a good job with the teams he has coached, and has a big desire that everything goes well here at Benfica also.

How do you compare this year's Benfica to last year's Benfica as far as dynamic?

Whenever there's a new coach it's different. Last season there was different coach, different players, it's hard to compare.

Is this squad stronger than last season's?

That's something we will have to see throughout the season. At this moment, this squad is the best, and will try to do things right. We hope that we'll be stronger because last season we couldn't reach the team's objective, which was to win the championship. We think of ourselves better in order to achieve what we want.

Even if you had to start from scratch, with a new coach, does Benfica assume themselves as a favorite.. or is porto the favorite?

We have to admit that porto, because they are the team who have been the champions in the past few years, will be the favorites. But Benfica is a big club that always has the obligation to fight for the title, and be the champion.
Sometimes it's not easy when a new coach arrives and new players arrive, to adapt fast. We have to listen to the coach.
It's normal that not everything will be perfect in the beginning, but our desire is to always win and get to the end of the season in first. We have the obligation, this and every year, to fight until the end. I think this is a team that has a very big desire to reach victory at the end.

How do you evaluate your starting position competitor, Patric?

We have talked a lot. I speak to him a lot, he is a good player and an excellent team mate. He is adapting well and has found himself to be a good fit for the team. I have to admit that i was surprised, as I didn't know him, and he is a very talented player, whose acquisition will pay off for Benfica.

Were you waiting for this type of support here in Switzerland?

Honestly no. I wasn't aware that there were so many Portuguese in this country. It was also a way to realize the magnitude of a club like Benfica.