4-4-2 or 4-3-3? Bruno Lage on his Benfica plans: We definitely won't... | OneFootball

Bruno Lage has been testing more than one tactical system at Benfica at the start of the season, and explained this in a press conference.

24 Aug 2025 | 09:58 |

Bruno Lage assured that Benfica will not always play in a 4x4x2 formation, and that he wants to have the team ready for more than one tactical system. The Eagles' coach was present at the press conference after the match with Tondela, where they triumphed 3-0, and commented on the alternation of systems he might use.

"We look at each moment and feel which players we have at our disposal. Today I had a very interesting conversation with the two forwards, because they have to do a fantastic job, both defending and attacking, and they have to know each other very well so they can combine, to connect, and they just played a very good game together," Bruno Lage began by explaining.

The Benfica coach continued: "The most important thing is that at every moment we have the ability to understand what the best strategy is and what the best eleven is. We definitely won’t always play in a 4x4x2, nor will the two always play together, but today was another good moment for them to get to know each other."

He also took the opportunity to analyze the match: "It was a very good game tactically, Ivo Vieira knew we had played on Wednesday, he understands what it’s like to travel to Turkey and return only on Thursday night and have Friday to prepare for the game and play 72 hours later. It forced us to run a lot, they tried to press us to build short and then look for depth in our build-up."

"We are very pleased to have looked at last year’s team and understood very well what we were missing, due to injuries, contract expirations, players out on loan, and to have chosen the right players to make us a stronger team. We looked at the positions where we felt we could grow and that’s the direction we’re taking in the market. I am very satisfied with everyone, some are playing more, getting to know each other better, and have a greater ability to relate to their teammates. Overall, I am satisfied with those who were already here, with those who arrived, and with how they have integrated into the team," Bruno Lage concluded, regarding Benfica’s summer transfer window.

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