Fredy backs Benfica replacement to handle pressure | OneFootball

Fredy, player for the Turkish club Çorum, believes that João Tralhão will be up to the challenge of leading Benfica against Real Madrid, in the second leg of the playoff for access to the Champions League round of 16. The former Angolan international shows confidence in the assistant coach, even in the demanding environment of the Santiago Bernabéu.

“The coach will be able to convey the calmness the team needs and the positivity the players need to advance in the knockout stage. Benfica has very experienced players, who will certainly also help him in this mission,” stated the 35-year-old athlete, who crossed paths with João Tralhão at Antalyaspor, where the Portuguese coach was part of Nuri Şahin's technical team.

Even so, the midfielder acknowledges that the absence of José Mourinho on the bench makes a difference: “It won't be the same as with coach Mourinho; he has been accustomed to these games for years and years. For him, it would just be another important game. João Tralhão will know how to handle the pressure well, due to the calmness that characterizes him and the strong type of leadership he has,” he said.

Fredy even believes that the match could represent a decisive moment for the assistant coach's future. “He has the capacity to be a head coach. In three or four years, we will see him in that position. This game against Real Madrid could be very important for João to see if he is capable of such a role.”

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