The whistle had just blown in Nice, marking a solid 2-0 victory for Benfica in their Champions League third qualifying round match. Most coaches would be beaming, perhaps even doing a little jig. But Bruno Lage, the man guiding the Eagles, carries himself with a different kind of glow. It’s a quiet confidence, the look of a craftsman admiring his work but already planning the next step. He called the performance “good” and the result “fitting.”
Lage spoke to Sport TV, sharing his straightforward philosophy. He uses two words often: “solid” and “aggressive.” He wants his team to be tough and relentless, whether they are defending or attacking. He explained they targeted open spaces, especially on the right side, where they had an extra player. The coach felt his team played a “safe, solid game.” He was pleased with the result. Yet, he quickly reminded everyone: “This is only the first half of the match.” He knows the score is 2-0, but he also knows they faced a “great team.” The next game is just around the corner, on Tuesday.
Reporters naturally wondered about the new attacking duo, Ivanovic and Pavlidis. Lage revealed his meticulous approach to building a squad. “When we look for players,” he explained, “we go into every small detail.” They needed a striker with specific movements. Pavlidis, he noted, plays better moving from left to center. Ivanovic prefers to operate more from center to right. Together, Lage believed they put in a “safe performance,” matching the team’s overall level.
Then there’s Aursnes, a player often seen as the coach’s thoughts brought to life on the field. Lage’s praise was simple and profound. “He does everything well,” the coach said. “He’s easy to work with. He always accepts everything, no matter what position he plays.” For Lage, Aursnes is a player of “enormous value.” He’s the kind of player who quietly makes everyone around him better.
Later in the second half, Florentino came on and scored a spectacular goal. Was he the kind of player who could change a game from the bench? Lage took this as a chance to talk about his entire squad, sharing a message he’d just given to his players. He singled out two names: Barreiro and Florentino. Barreiro, he pointed out, didn’t play against Fenerbahçe, but he was “perhaps one of the most important players in the Super Cup.” Florentino, though he didn’t start this match, is “always ready.” He can step in for Enzo, he can start, or he can even play alongside Enzo. Lage stressed that he has “several solutions.” His job, he feels, is to prepare the team and make sure all the players know their hard work is valued. This was a message for everyone, but especially for Barreiro and Florentino, who “helped increase the lead.”
This 2-0 victory isn’t just about the score. It’s a glimpse into a coach who sees beyond the starting eleven. For Bruno Lage, every player matters. He’s building a team with depth, where talent isn’t just on the field, but also waiting patiently on the bench, ready to jump in and make a difference. The path to the Champions League group stage is long, but with this philosophy, Benfica looks ready for the journey.
