The futsal champions are back at work. Benfica officially kicked off their new season recently. Players went through medical checks and fitness tests first. Then, they hit the training court for their very first session. Cassiano Klein, the team’s coach, knows this early period is key. He stressed how important a good pre-season is. It helps the group focus, especially as this year will be longer than the last.
The 42-year-old Brazilian coach shared his thoughts with the club’s media. He spoke about turning a new page. “We finished last season really well,” he began. “Now, we have a fresh, blank slate. We can write our own story again. We know people expect a lot from us. That’s a good thing. But these steps we take now, out of the spotlight, during pre-season, will truly matter.”
This is Cassiano’s second season leading the Reds. He believes in three core ideas for the team’s progress. These are hard work, sheer dedication, and full commitment. “It all comes down to hunger now,” he stated. “It’s an obsession to always do better. Playing at a high level always brings this big challenge. You have to work hard, truly give your all, and then get results. After that, you must come back and do even better.”
André Coelho, a key defensive player, also looked ahead to the coming months. His team has a title to protect. “We are hoping for a great season,” said the 31-year-old Portuguese international. “We start as champions, and we have a title to defend. We are also lucky to play in the Super Cup and the Champions League. We face five different competitions.” He emphasized the team’s drive. “We will work to win them all. That’s who we are, it’s our ambition. It’s the club’s ambition. We are giving everything to win these trophies.”
Coelho then remembered the amazing fan support from last season. “It was brilliant,” he recalled. “Both our home games and those away from home. Luckily, when we play for Benfica, it always feels like a home game. What we experienced in those arenas was beautiful.” He finished with a promise to the supporters. “This year, we will try to pay them back. We want to give them victories, great performances, lots of goals, and plenty of joy. That’s a big part of our lives too.”