Rui Costa calls Benfica a club in crisis in speech to members: I won't hide | OneFootball

Rui Costa has not forgotten the last "four difficult years," but showed optimism for the future of the Club. The Benfica president was present at the Casa do Benfica in Ovar, as part of his campaign for the presidential elections at the Eagles’ club, and spoke before several members and fans.

"They were not easy years, not at all. I do not hide and I always present myself with the same humility, I recognize that four titles were not what we aspired to. But I do not forget what the club was like four years ago, and neither do you, at a time when few people wanted to step forward, the club was not well and I did not hide," began Rui Costa, in Ovar – who was recently criticized by Luís Filipe Vieira.

The Benfica president continued: "If I did not hide then, I am even less likely to hide now. You never give up on Benfica! I recognize the frustration we all feel because we want to win more, especially given the way last season ended."

He then recalled his journey at Benfica, also mentioning last season: "But we cannot forget that a club 'in crisis', that did not win what it should have, competed until the very last second in all competitions, and in a four-year period achieved its best ever points tally at European level in the Champions League."

"Over these four years, foundations have been laid for us to grow more and more, to become more and more victorious. That is my commitment, and with the same pride as four years ago I stand before you, with the same passion, dedication, and determination," concluded Rui Costa, President of Benfica.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.