Marco Silva forgoes remaining holiday to accelerate Benfica’s pre-season | OneFootball

Marco Silva has given up his remaining holiday to speed up Benfica’s preparations for 2026/27. He was confirmed as José Mourinho’s successor on 9 June and presented on 12 June.

O JOGO reports that he is splitting time between the Benfica Campus and home, assessing the squad, the professional football structure and the pre-season plan ahead of the players’ return.

The late confirmation of the coaching change forced several adjustments. The wait for the Real Madrid presidential election outcome, in which José Mourinho played a significant role in Florentino Pérez’s candidacy, delayed numerous processes. Silva also held off as long as possible on replying to Fulham, who had offered him a new deal.

Although groundwork had been laid in recent months, Rui Costa and Mário Branco decided every strategic call should be validated by the new coach. Silva has reviewed ins and outs, promotions for young players and the organisation of pre-season, holding frequent meetings with the hierarchy.

Training is due to start on 25 June. Silva then has about a month to prepare for the first official game, against St. Gallen, in the Europa League second qualifying round. Before that, Benfica face Flamengo on 11 July and Villarreal on 17 in the Algarve Tournament.

Source: Glorioso 1904