After the match against Penafiel (2-0), during the League Cup, the Benfica players started a ten-day break, and most of them took the opportunity to change their pace, escape the routine of daily life and spend a few days in a holiday rhythm, as if it were summer.
Some Brazilians flew to their country to satisfy their homesickness, Rafa was also enjoying the sand of Rio de Janeiro, Musa went to Dubai, André Almeida visited Disneyland Paris, Paulo Bernardo went to see New York’s home Knicks, the majestic Madison Square Garden, Helton Leite sought warmth, Lucas Veríssimo and Florentino preferred to set foot on African soil.
With Benfica at the top and the work done, and well done, by the players, the German coach of the reds didn’t hesitate to send everyone on a mini-vacation. The German also has an open philosophy in this chapter of players’ lives and understands that there must be a balanced relationship between work and rest. He doesn’t take sides in training, training, training, practically without granting players permission, which in the recent past at Benfica has cost coaches like Jesus a lot of criticism.
And Roger Schmidt has capitalized on this idea, as players feel rewarded and at the same time forced to live up to the test of trust.
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