Kaminski arrival piles pressure on Benfica scouting chief as slow start raises questions | OneFootball

Jakub Kaminski’s low-key start at Benfica has sparked internal debate and increased pressure on scouting head Patrick Dippel.

According to Correio da Manhã, Kaminski was the first signing strongly recommended by Dippel, with his ties to Cologne officials helping Benfica pursue the winger.

Rui Costa overhauled the club’s scouting structure in December 2025 after several signings failed to establish themselves in the first team. The appointment had been promised during his election campaign and was delivered months later.

Dippel, a specialist in artificial intelligence and data analysis for scouting, built his reputation in German football with the national federation and at Bayern Munich and Hamburg. His limited experience outside the German scene, particularly in Portugal, surprised some linked to Benfica’s governing bodies.

The 23-year-old has struggled to meet expectations in pre-season and disappointed again in the 2-1 defeat to St. Gallen in the first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round.

Source: Glorioso 1904