“Ivanovic promises to return strong after a difficult period.”

Franjo Ivanovic, the 22-year-old Croatian forward, is struggling to find his place at Benfica, but his recent performance in the classic against FC Porto could be the first step towards recovery. After a promising start to the season, where he scored two goals in the first five matches, Ivanovic seems to have fallen into a pit of ineffectiveness, accumulating only 91 minutes on the pitch and one assist throughout the season so far. In the classic, he had the chance to shine by providing a crucial cross for Leandro Barreiro, which resulted in his team’s equalizing goal.

The pressure on the young player is immense, especially considering that Benfica invested €22.8 million in his transfer from St. Gilloise. Despite traveling with the team to Barcelos, he was not even registered for the match against Gil Vicente, a clear sign that the coach’s confidence may be waning. However, those who know Ivanovic well believe that this rough patch is temporary.

Zeljko Sopic, the coach who witnessed Ivanovic’s rise at Rijeka, offers valuable insight into the forward’s situation. With a career that includes a stint at Osijek, Sopic is aware of the challenges a young player faces when joining a big club like Benfica. He emphasizes that “it is not always possible for players to achieve immediate success,” and that the pressure and competition are immense. For Sopic, “forwards need confidence, and that confidence comes with games and, above all, goals.”

The message from Sopic is clear: Ivanovic is a promising talent who can shine, but he needs time to adapt. “It’s not easy to play at a big club like Benfica,” he states, emphasizing that internal competition, with players like Pavlidis scoring regularly, makes the fight for a place in the starting lineup even more challenging.

However, Sopic does not lose hope and firmly believes that Ivanovic can overcome this difficult phase. “He is in a hole, and getting out of it is not always easy, but I believe 100 percent that he will succeed,” says the coach, reinforcing the idea that the player’s mental strength will be crucial in his recovery.

For Benfica fans, Sopic offers a note of encouragement: “Ivanovic will return to good form and will score many goals.” With this renewed confidence, Benfica supporters can expect the young Croatian to find his way back to success and help his team achieve great things this season. The future is open, and Ivanovic may be on the brink of a renaissance that everyone is hoping for.