“Marco Silva faces early start and world event with absences at Benfica.”

Benfica finds itself at a crucial crossroads: with Marco Silva already confirmed as the new coach, the club’s structure faces unprecedented pressure to respond quickly, effectively, and with tangible results to the demands of fans and the challenge of a season that begins earlier than expected. The departure of Roger Schmidt has paved the way for a new era, and Rui Costa, president of the club, knows that any mistake could cost him the little credit he still holds among the members. The margin for error is practically non-existent, and every decision will be scrutinized to the smallest detail by an increasingly impatient and demanding fan base.

The scenario could not be more challenging: Marco Silva, former Fulham manager, is preparing to start work in Seixal in just ten days, with the obligation to have a nearly finalized squad by June 25. The anticipation of the Europa League kick-off on July 23, due to the surprising qualification of Torreense, further complicates preparations, necessitating a rapid planning process with no room for hesitation. As if that were not enough, the international calendar complicates the situation: six players from Benfica (Tomás Araújo, Frederik Aursnes, Andreas Schjelderup, Amar Dedic, Dodi Lukebakio, and Richard Ríos) may arrive late due to their participation in the World Cup, or give up part of their holidays, which could have physical and performance consequences in the medium term.

THE 2026 WORLD CUP IS EXPERIENCED WITH LEGO

The importance of this moment goes beyond just preparing for the new season. For Rui Costa, it is imperative to arrive at the two General Assemblies scheduled for the end of June with solid arguments and concrete proposals to present to the members, countering the image of indecision that the internal opposition has insisted on attaching to him. The alignment of interests between the president and the coach has never been more evident: both need quick decisions, a defined squad, and a market strategy with no room for amateurism. Failure is not an option – neither for Marco Silva, who seeks to establish himself as the new face of the sports project, nor for Rui Costa, whose leadership is under intense scrutiny.

At a time when the transfer market ‘war’ is heating up and rivals are already making moves, Benfica cannot afford to repeat past mistakes. It is time to learn from failed bets, avoid redundant signings, and reject market opportunities that are nothing more than ‘shots in the dark’. The squad needs to be overhauled from top to bottom, with surgical additions and well-defined departures, restoring to the team the coherence lost in recent years. Marco Silva was clear in discussions with the management: he only accepted the challenge after receiving assurances of autonomy and full support in sporting decisions. His stance is known – he does not yield to external pressures and has never been one to make concessions with unambitious administrations. “Marco Silva didn’t come here for money; he came because he was promised the conditions to make Benfica a competitive team,” a source close to the coach recently confided.

Rui Costa, for his part, faces the biggest test of his presidency. The General Assemblies will be the stage for an unrelenting assessment of his leadership and his ability to make strategic decisions. The comfortable victory over Noronha Lopes in the elections is already a distant memory, and every mistake will be used as ammunition by the opposition. “The president needs to show firmness and deliver results, because the patience of the members has run out,” a Benfica associate lamented as he left the Estádio da Luz. The relationship with Marco Silva will be crucial: only a perfect harmony between president and coach can restore confidence to the membership and re-launch Benfica in the fight for titles.

The upcoming month will therefore be decisive: transfers must be finalized quickly, the working group defined, and the narrative aligned to face the shareholders with confidence. Marco Silva needs time and stability, but he will have to deliver results right from the first games – the expectations have increased and there will be no room for mistakes. For Rui Costa, this will be an opportunity to prove that he has learned from his mistakes and that he is truly willing to invest in the club’s success. A failure at this stage could jeopardize not only the season but also Benfica’s medium-term future.

The requalification of the squad, the strengthening of presidential leadership, and the construction of a solid and ambitious sports project are, more than ever, not just a challenge but an unavoidable obligation for the club from Luz.

NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE