Marco Silva kept the focus on progress rather than perfection ahead of Sunday’s Benfica Vs Gil Vicente match at the estádio da Luz. The Benfica coach said the team is satisfied for now, but also stressed that there is still a long way to go, especially with the season only in its early weeks.
“A equipa tem muito a melhorar,” Silva said, adding that it is still “no princípio de setembro” and that the squad has a long road ahead. He also pointed to the schedule going back to 23 July, saying Benfica have had only two clean weeks to work together. In his view, that matters when a team is still trying to sharpen its patterns and build better dynamics.
Silva’s comments came after he congratulated the players following their last game, which he described as being played on another difficult pitch. He said Benfica produced an incisive performance and was especially pleased with the reaction after losing the ball. Even so, he insisted there is “muito ainda por melhorar” and that the work is only possible if the squad stays open-minded.
He also played down the idea of judging Benfica as the best team at this stage. “Sobre sermos os melhores, não entro por aí porque isso vê-se no fim,” he said, noting that the league is long and the real answers will come later.
Squad updates ahead of Sunday
One of the clearer absences for Benfica is Bah, who has not recovered in time for the match against Gil Vicente. Silva also addressed the wider squad picture, saying that having players away with national teams is a source of pride, even if it reduces his options for club work. Prestianni, who has been working hard in training, is one of the players he highlighted positively.
Silva said Prestianni has had little time to train in the new setup, but that he was already on the bench in the last match and is learning the team’s new dynamics. He believes the player is best suited as an attacking midfielder and is ready to help.
The Benfica coach also spoke about Palhinha, making clear that he sees the move as a club decision rather than a personal request. He noted Palhinha’s path from Fulham to Bayern and now to Benfica, while also confirming that Trubin could play whenever needed, with the decision depending on him.
Gil Vicente arrive in Lisbon after a 1-0 defeat to Ac. Viseu, a result that came despite taking 33 shots. Luís Pinto said his team must defend with everyone, with concentration and patience, if they want to compete with Benfica. He also hinted at the attacking volume his side may need, even if the finishing line remains the real test.
For Benfica, the message is straightforward: the performances are heading in the right direction, but Sunday is another step in a much longer process.
