Benfica distinguished at Liga Portugal Awards gala

STATEMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT

President Rui Costa received the 2022/23 Champion Award and Roger Schmidt his gratitude for being named Coach of the Year 2022/23 during the Liga Portugal Awards gala, which took place on Thursday, September 7, at the Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto. 

"For us, the 38th title is a source of great pride, but we can't live off past success. One of the slogans of this club is that we have no credits. Having won last year makes us want to win again. That's the path we have to take and that's why we're going to fight to be here again next year", said Rui Costa.

Benfica's President also spoke of a dream come true: "If I said I wasn't proud of this title, I'd be lying. Winning for my club as a fan, player, manager and now President is a source of pride... a childhood dream come true. As a dreamer, I believe there are more dreams to come. We'll keep fighting, without credit."

STATEMENTS BY THE COACH

"First, I want to apologize for not being there, but I'm going to be at the Thinking Football Summit on Saturday [September 9]. I'm very happy about this individual award, but I'm part of a team and, when it's like this, the award also belongs to the players, the staff, the whole coaching team and the club itself. I think this way, but of course I'm very happy to have been recognized with this award. I wish you all a pleasant evening and I hope you can be there next time", claimed Roger Schmidt, in a video intervention.