Racing against time, Benfica star gets help from Mourinho | OneFootball

Rafa Silva’s return, as many skeptics had pointed out, has not lived up to expectations. Nearly two and a half months after the Portuguese forward returned to the Luz, the impact he has been having has been limited and, at the same time, inconsistent. Even so, at Benfica, there are still those who believe in the number 27.

According to Record, José Mourinho, despite having dropped the forward from Benfica’s starting eleven for the match against Vitória de Guimarães, which the Eagles won 3-0, still has faith in the player and, according to the same source, is satisfied with the footballer’s performances since returning to the Luz.

The sports daily adds that the 63-year-old coach, much like he does with other members of the Benfica squad, has tried to maintain a close relationship with the forward, sending the message that he is certain Rafa Silva will be able to turn the situation around and show all the quality and talent he has, stressing that he is an important asset.

According to what Record found out, Mourinho’s words have had a positive impact on the 32-year-old player. The same source says that Rafa Silva has been feeling frustrated in recent weeks because his performances, particularly in the Clássico, have not been matching the investment Rui Costa had to make to secure the Portuguese international’s return to Benfica in the final stretch of the winter transfer window.

With the international break over, the 32-year-old star now has seven opportunities — the remaining matches in the Liga Portugal Betclic — to once again show all his quality on the pitch and put this less positive spell behind him. Although there is still no confirmation, there is a strong possibility that the number 27 will regain his place in the Eagles’ starting eleven, sending Gergiy Sudakov to the bench.

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