Rui Costa ‘to base’ Benfica’s season plans on Braga model | OneFootball

Rui Costa may shape Benfica’s new campaign around Braga’s recent blueprint. The club have set 25 June as the start of pre-season.

O Jogo reports that Benfica could draw on Braga’s planning, as they face a comparable route. Braga negotiated three separate qualifying rounds and, arguably, delivered an exemplary Europa League campaign.

Benfica will begin work at Seixal during the World Cup. Their first competitive fixture is scheduled for 23 July, the first leg of the third qualifying round.

They will be seeded in the draw, though awkward opponents remain possible. Potential opponents include Besiktas, home to former Benfica midfielder Orkun Kökçü, who left last summer after a fresh row with Bruno Lage.

One unresolved issue concerns the head coach. José Mourinho is currently in charge, and as a deadline expires his release clause is set to rise to €15 million, a figure that could deter suitors such as Real Madrid.

Source: Glorioso 1904