Exclusive Glorioso 1904: Paulo Madeira backs Ivanović, asks Benfica | OneFootball

Paulo Madeira believes Franjo Ivanović has a future at Benfica. In this Glorioso 1904 Exclusive, the Club’s former star commented on the Croatian striker, discussed the derby win against Sporting, and gave his opinion on José Mourinho's future at the Luz.

"Ivanović is young and has a lot of quality. If we take the example of Schjelderup, who four or five months ago didn’t have the chance to play four or five games in a row, today he is a very important player for Benfica. I believe that, eventually, the same could happen with Ivanović," he began by telling our newspaper.

Along the same lines, the former Benfica defender reinforced the importance of the Croatian international: "It is important to remember that when Ivanović arrived at Benfica, in the first match he played, he put in a fantastic performance. Basically, we are talking about a kid with a lot of room to improve, and if José Mourinho decides to give him the chance to play two or three matches in a row, I am sure the player will show much more."

Moving on to Sunday’s derby, which ended in a Benfica win, Paulo Madeira 'celebrated' the triumph while keeping perspective. "Above all, it was a fair win. A lot of people probably thought Benfica might not be able to win, but the team went out there and did what it had to do. Although a win like this boosts the Club’s morale, we must not forget that this season has fallen short of expectations. In the more manageable matches Benfica slipped up, and that is partly why they lost the title," he pointed out.

Commenting on the strategy laid out by José Mourinho in the match, the former red-and-white figure "took his hat off" to the coach: "You have to take your hat off to Mourinho. If we analyze the match from start to finish, it is perhaps possible to notice that Benfica created more chances, and that does not happen very often in derbies. They tend to be very hard-fought games in midfield, and it ends up being a good strategy because it wins the match."

In closing, Paulo Madeira defended the Special One staying in charge of Benfica: "Obviously this kind of debate is not very healthy for the atmosphere at the Club [...] it would be much easier if a decision had already been made. But as José Mourinho says, 'there is him and there is Benfica'. Still, I think Benfica have a fantastic coach. I am sure he will bring a lot of joy in the future, and about that I do not have the slightest doubt."

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