Rui Costa leaves a warning: “Now comes harder”

Benfica are on cloud nine after winning their 38th title of national champion, but Rui Costa, still in action, is keen to leave a warning.

“Now comes the hardest part. And to realize that you don’t need to be president, you have to play football for a while. Win after win is always more difficult, “warned the red captain, on the sidelines of the Champions Dinner at the Convento do Piato.

“I will not hide that I am pleased with the first title as president. But the most important is Benfica, the 38th title that was sorely lacking, and we managed to get the win. More than the appearance of the president, there is a Benfica side,” said Rui Costa.

When asked about the moment when he felt that the title was no longer escaping, Rui Costa began by referring to the occasion when the team had already won 3-0 against Santa Clara, in the last round, but then assumed that the condemnation came a few weeks before: «It was A difficult and long year. We even had a feature that seemed like everything was on track. But if I had to pick a game where I felt the title no longer ran away, it was against Braga at home.”

Regarding Roger Schmidt, Rui Costa confirmed what he had already said hours earlier, in the Lisbon City Council, that the German coach was the “great factor” in the conquest, but refused to take the advantage of selection for himself.

“I don’t make decisions myself. Any decision the president makes is always a risky one. But that’s why I was elected. I thought it was the best solution for Benfica at the time. I’m more than proud, I’m glad it worked out, “he concluded.