Former Benfica vice-president criticises Mónica Jorge over post seen as sign of internal misalignment | OneFootball

Former Benfica vice-president Fernando Tavares has criticised women’s football director Mónica Jorge over a post published after the side clinched a place in the Taça de Portugal final against Braga, saying its timing could signal internal misalignment.

According to Glorioso 1904, Tavares set out his views in a lengthy LinkedIn post addressing Jorge’s message in the wake of that result.

He argued that releasing it straight after a comprehensive victory, with two competitions still to pursue, could be read as an attempt to shift attention to the context rather than the individual, without clearly identifying causes or responsibility.

Tavares recalled that Benfica’s women’s project was conceived from the outset with a disruptive ambition, to raise the competitive level and compete with Europe’s elite, and he criticised the director’s conduct.

He said that stance accelerated the sport’s growth in Portugal, though not always in step with the federation’s more gradual, progressive and controlled approach, noting Jorge’s strong ties to the Portuguese Football Federation.

Concluding, he asked whether the path should be consolidation or a change of paradigm, described the current signals as worrying, and said it is crucial that the team complete the double.

Source: Glorioso 1904