Rodrigo Rêgo out in the cold at Benfica? José Mourinho lifts the lid | OneFootball

Rodrigo Rêgo has been called up once again to Benfica’s main squad by José Mourinho and is with the red delegation that traveled to Amsterdam to face Ajax in a match counting for the Champions League. The wing-back made his debut in the last game, and the Benfica coach already knows where he wants to use him in the future.

José Mourinho did not want to reveal the tactics he will use against Ajax, after introducing a three-center-back defense for the first time in the last Benfica match, against Atlético CP. However, the Benfica coach explained that Rodrigo Rêgo’s use depends on the chosen system.

"Rodrigo Rêgo cannot play as a full-back in a back four. That’s not his style. When players come up from the youth ranks, there has to be a ‘transfer’ of what they have learned. Right now, he’s not ready to be a full-back. In the future, yes, because as players work tactically, they grow," Mourinho began by explaining.

The Benfica coach further added: "He’s a wing-back, both on the right and left in a back four. With three defenders, he’s a left wing-back. He played well. Physically, he has the ability to play at a high level. He could play tomorrow."

Thus, José Mourinho reveals that he intends to use Rodrigo Rêgo as a wing-back in a three-center-back system, and as a winger in a four-man defense. The player is expected to start on the bench against Ajax, but he is gradually earning his place in Benfica’s main squad.

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