Marco Silva steps up at Benfica with double sessions before Europa League St. Gallen tie | OneFootball

Marco Silva has intensified pre-season at Benfica Campus as Benfica prepare for 2026/27 and for Europa League meetings with St. Gallen.

According to Glorioso 1904, after a first week of gradual fitness and ball work, the staff have increased the load before the first competitive fixtures.

The key change is twice-daily training to speed up assimilation of the new coach's ideas. Friday brings a first behind closed doors friendly to gauge reactions, with little weight on the result.

Recent days have included specific drills and small-sided games to observe behaviours and embed principles. The aim is to maximise a short window before the St. Gallen qualifier, which could shape Benfica's European path.

At centre-back, Clément Lenglet is training with the group alongside fellow signing Gabriel Índio, allowing the pair to build routines in a priority position.

Silva is also assessing all options, including 12 academy players who remain with the seniors. The outing will chiefly inform collective and individual progress as he chooses options for the season start.

Source: Glorioso 1904