Flamengo chief previews Benfica clash: a side used to winning | OneFootball

Benfica are continuing to prepare for the new season and have one of the most high-profile pre-season matches scheduled against Flamengo on July 11. Before that clash, José Boto, former Benfica executive and current sporting director of the Brazilian club, admitted it will be a real test for his team.

"There are three matches, one of which could be the Libertadores final, with Flamengo and River Plate. The other is Lausanne, a Swiss team with some quality. Then Benfica, a team used to being champions, with Champions League appearances. It will test us and show what kind of shape we are in", he said in comments to Flamengo’s official TV channel.

Despite the importance of the match against the Eagles, José Boto was keen to play down the importance of the result, explaining that the main objective is to take lessons for the team’s future. "What matters is not the result, because nothing is won here. You win in December. But it is important to see what shape we are in, to see how some of those boys who arrived will settle in", he stressed.

The former Benfica official also said he was very pleased with the conditions in the Algarve for preparing the season. "It has all the conditions to be a beneficial mid-season break for everyone. Interestingly, all the clubs that hold pre-season here end up becoming champions that year, according to the hotel staff. The conditions are excellent, the calm, the peace, with no one disturbing us," José Boto highlighted.

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