When Roger Schmidt took the helm at Benfica in the summer of 2022, hopes were high and when the club came out flying, going undefeated in his first 29 games in charge across all competitions. Fans began to anticipate a season full of promise, victory and trophies.
These performances also captured the attention of the club's staff and board and President Rui Costa was quick to extend Schmidt's contract from the initial two years originally given to four years and then the wheels began to lose their air.
The team's play started to suffer with the departure of midfielder Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea during the winter transfer window of that same season and it seemed that whatever genius Schmidt may have had (if he had any) left with him.
Benfica ended up hanging on to capture the league title by two points that season and may have lost the championship all together if there were more games left during that campaign as their victories were not as dominant as some of the results may have indicated, club's had figured out the Schmidt system and he could not figure out how to adjust.
Schmidt should have been let go after last season's campaign that saw him capture his second and final trophy with the club to start the season, when they won the Portuguese Super Cup, but as the season grow longer, Schmidt's stubbornness and lack of in game decisions cost the club its share of points and ultimately the championship.
When, on paper, a club has the best squad in the league, as Benfica did last season, it is the manager's job to get the best out of those players. This was something Schmidt was unable to do or could not do and Benfica finished runner up to eventual champions Sporting.
Watching Benfica play these first few games felt like watching your favorite TV show slowly decline in quality. The vibrant football style that fans had come to love almost vanished. Instead of exhilarating plays and solid teamwork, there were frustrating moments where the squad looked lost and confused.
It’s no surprise fans became restless, questioning Schmidt’s tactics and the team’s overall direction. Once Schmidt decided it was best to include up to three defensive midfielders in his starting XI this season, you knew this was a manager playing to not lose as opposed to winning. A manager who knew his job was on the line if he got off to a poor start.
Given the situation, Benfica’s decision to part ways with Schmidt seems more understandable. A club with such a rich history can’t afford to drift aimlessly. Whether it's in sports or life, sometimes fresh perspectives are needed. Change, while difficult, can be the spark that ignites a team’s potential.
With Schmidt’s exit, many fans are left wondering what’s next for Benfica. The clock is ticking. Who will be the new face in the dugout? Could this new manager bring back the spark that the team desperately needs? The club’s history is built on triumphs, and it’s crucial they find a leader who can reignite that winning spirit.
The departure of Roger Schmidt marks a pivotal moment for Benfica. It isn't just a managerial change; it’s a signal that the club means business. For supporters, the upcoming weeks will be filled with uncertainty but also hope. A new beginning could be around the corner. After all, in football, just like in life, every ending leads to a new chapter.
Some of the names already being linked with the Benfica job are Sergio Conceicao, Leonardo Jardim, Daniel Sousa, Artur Jorge and Bruno Lage.
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