Paulo Lopes rues Benfica player's exit: one of Portugal's best | OneFootball

André Gomes, who left Benfica for Casa Pia, was praised by Paulo Lopes. The former Eagles under-23 coach believes the Portugal under-21 international has found the ideal setting to make the leap his career was missing.

"It is important for him to take this step now, after having a good season at Alverca on loan," began the coach of Finland’s SJK, telling the newspaper 'Record' that he believes the deal benefits all parties involved.

The coach also highlighted the influence of Filipe Coelho, Casa Pia’s new manager, who knows André Gomes well: "Filipe Coelho has known him for a long time," he said, recalling the various seasons in which the coach led different youth levels at Benfica. Asked whether the goalkeeper’s arrival could mean Patrick Sequeira’s departure, Paulo Lopes preferred to stress competitiveness.

"When the quality is high, there is no problem. Having two good goalkeepers is good on an individual level, since both improve by doing their best to play, and it is good for the team, which benefits from that extra effort," he stressed. Although acknowledging that competition at Benfica is naturally more demanding, the former goalkeeper said he is convinced the player has the quality to return to the Luz one day.

"Everything has to happen naturally. Both he and Samu are top goalkeepers, they are going to be among the best in Portugal. I still think continuity is very important. He is very young and has everything it takes to return to Benfica and perhaps become the undisputed first choice. Everything depends on various factors, but he has the ability for that. André Gomes is going to be one of the best in Portugal," he concluded.

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