Pavlidis on teammate struggling at Benfica: You need character | OneFootball

Vangelis Pavlidis believes that the second half of the season will go better for Franjo Ivanovic. The Greek striker for the Eagles was chosen to speak to journalists at the press conference previewing the match against Ajax, and was asked about one of his teammates in Benfica’s attack.

It’s worth remembering that Franjo Ivanovic was signed during the summer transfer window for more than 20 million euros, but he still hasn’t secured a starting spot in Benfica’s attack. The player was included in the starting eleven by José Mourinho in the last match against Atlético, but ended up being substituted at halftime by the Portuguese coach.

“I’ve been in his position. Things will be better in the second half of the season. You need personality to play for Benfica. Sometimes, a new environment, a new coach... it takes time,” explained Vangelis Pavlidis, about the moment Franjo Ivanovic is going through.

What’s certain is that Ivanovic has been called up again and will be an option for Ajax - Benfica. José Mourinho also commented on the topic in his press conference: “When people keep hammering on the same thing, I don’t like it, but I understand. When they lie, that deeply annoys me.”

“If there’s a player who works hard and gives everything in training or in games, and the substitution had nothing to do with his attitude, it’s Ivanovic. He’s an extraordinary guy who works so hard. Things aren’t going well for him, but he is untouchable from a professional standpoint. When things are made up about players I care about, it bothers me,” said the Benfica coach.

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