Reason for Akturkoglu and Bruno Lage bust-up revealed in Benfica v Tondela | OneFootball

Kerem Akturkoglu was not satisfied with Bruno Lage’s decision to bring him on in the 67th minute of Benfica – Tondela. Apparently, the Turkish international did not feel ready to step onto the pitch at that moment, asking for more time to complete his usual warm-up exercises.

Additionally, according to information reported by the newspaper Record, Kerem Akturkoglu was not pleased with his own performance during the more than 20 minutes he spent on the field in Benfica – Tondela, as his goal was to score or assist a teammate.

In recent weeks, Kerem Akturkoglu has been a hot topic of conversation. José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe, Benfica’s Champions League rival, made a strong move for the winger, but, apparently, Rui Costa blocked the player’s departure, ensuring his stay in Bruno Lage’s squad.

After starting in the first leg of the Champions League tie in Turkey and coming off the bench against Tondela, it remains to be seen what Bruno Lage’s decision will be regarding Kerem Akturkoglu for the home match against Fenerbahçe. The alternative is Andreas Schjelderup, who performed well in the last match.

This season, wearing the Benfica shirt, Kerem Akturkoglu – valued at 24 million euros – has played in four matches: two in the Champions League, one in Liga Portugal Betclic, and another in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. In the 185 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the player has yet to record a goal or an assist.

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