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Mourinho Navigates Benfica’s Attacking Options: Ivanovic, Pavlidis, and the Rise of Anísio Cabral
Franjo Ivanovic, the Benfica forward, recently expressed his desire for more playing time and revealed a conversation with manager José Mourinho regarding his limited role. Mourinho, in turn, addressed the situation, emphasizing the club’s primary focus on winning matches and not individual player valuations.
Prioritizing Victory Over Player Value
Mourinho stated that neither Benfica’s president, board, general director, nor director of football have instructed him to prioritize player value over results. His sole focus remains on securing victories, making team selections based on which players he believes will best contribute to that goal. This approach underscores a commitment to immediate success, potentially influencing transfer strategies and player development plans.
Ivanovic’s Role and Competition from Pavlidis
The Portuguese manager acknowledged Ivanovic’s limited playing time but highlighted that the player has been consistently included in matchday squads. Mourinho explained that he utilizes Ivanovic when the opponent’s characteristics align with the player’s strengths, citing a recent example against Napoli. However, Vangelis Pavlidis remains the undisputed first-choice striker, a position earned through consistent performance – he has started all 12 games under Mourinho.
The Emergence of Young Talent: Anísio Cabral
Mourinho also pointed to the potential of 17-year-old Anísio Cabral, noting his suitability for games where opponents play defensively and pack their area. Cabral’s skillset – playing in tight spaces, holding up the ball, and serving as a reference point in the box – offers a different dimension to Benfica’s attack. Mourinho believes in leveraging players’ specific attributes to maximize their impact in different game scenarios.
A Balancing Act: Individual Ambitions and Team Goals
Mourinho recognizes the importance of addressing individual player ambitions, particularly with a World Cup on the horizon. He aims to balance these aspirations with the overarching objective of winning games, acknowledging that navigating these competing priorities requires careful management and communication.
Benfica’s Attacking Strategy: A Shift in Focus?
Recent reports suggest Mourinho believes Franjo Ivanovic and Henrique Araújo are not currently at the level of Vangelis Pavlidis, prompting a potential search for additional attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window. This indicates a possible shift in Benfica’s attacking strategy, with a focus on securing a more reliable goal-scoring threat to complement Pavlidis.
The Search for a “Strong and Affordable” Striker
According to reports, Mourinho has requested a “strong and affordable” striker, suggesting a pragmatic approach to the transfer market. Benfica’s leadership, led by Rui Costa, will likely explore options that offer both quality and value, balancing the need for immediate impact with financial considerations.
FAQ
- What is Mourinho’s priority at Benfica? Mourinho’s primary focus is winning matches, not player valuations.
- Why isn’t Ivanovic playing more? Pavlidis is currently the first-choice striker, and Mourinho utilizes Ivanovic strategically based on opponent characteristics.
- Who is Anísio Cabral? A 17-year-old Benfica player with a skillset suited for games against defensive opponents.
- Is Benfica looking to sign a novel striker? Reports suggest Mourinho has requested a “strong and affordable” striker for the January transfer window.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Benfica’s transfer activity in January. Mourinho’s pursuit of a new striker could significantly impact the team’s attacking options and overall performance.
What are your thoughts on Mourinho’s approach to managing Benfica’s attacking lineup? Share your opinions in the comments below!
