João Gabriel criticises Rui Costa’s leadership after Benfica’s 2-1 loss to St. Gallen | OneFootball

Former Benfica communications director João Gabriel has renewed his criticism of Rui Costa, questioning the president’s leadership after the 2-1 defeat at St. Gallen in the Europa League second qualifying round first leg.

According to Glorioso 1904, Gabriel used LinkedIn to dissect Costa’s post-match reaction in Switzerland, arguing that his body language projected insecurity when the team needed the opposite.

He wrote that leadership is measured by the ability to control emotions at moments of greatest pressure, adding that confidence can spread, and so can insecurity.

He said a leader communicates constantly, even in silence, and that Costa placing his hands on his head after the final whistle sent a deeply wrong message.

Gabriel also questioned what that behaviour might have signalled to the dressing room, the players’ confidence and the coaching staff’s calm. He asked what members would conclude when they look to the president for serenity, especially after the first official match of the season.

In recent days, Luís Filipe Vieira has also gone public with his view on Benfica’s situation, adding to the criticism around Costa’s leadership.

Source: Glorioso 1904