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“I wanted to do something new, a new challenge in a new country. I wanted a new adventure,” Julian Weigl told the Portuguese newspaper. The ball shortly after moving to Lisbon.
Not even a year later, however, the signs indicate goodbye again. The Portuguese newspaper Record reportsthat the 25-year-old, who will soon become a father for the first time, is not against returning to the Bundesliga. What happened in the past few months that Weigl went from being a savior to being a sales candidate so quickly?
Weigl: We wanted to dare an adventure
In early 2020, the defensive midfielder’s surprising move to Benfica Lisbon became known. Despite regularly accumulating time to play for BVB, Weigl decided to take the courageous step to Portugal.
It wasn’t just the sporting aspect that played a role. “We are not just machines on the pitch. We are also young people who have desires and dreams. My wife and I have always wanted to venture abroad on an adventure. I had few options. At Benfica, my instincts were immediately.” he said at that moment Sports photo.
The Portuguese record champions were delighted that Weigl, a young player with international experience, was signed. Even a Benfica fan ran naked on the streets of Lisbon when the change became known. The German should become the new formative figure of the defensive midfielder.
Coach Bruno Lage relied completely on his new magnetic ball. Weigl has almost always been on the pitch with him from the start and his performances have been good. It is true that at Benfica he did not shape the match like, for example, Joao Félix, who emigrated in the summer.
However, Weigl’s work was different, as he himself explains: “I’m not a player who plays a lot of jokes and then the stadium screams. My qualities as a defender are elsewhere. I think most of the fans know that. The forwards have more. easy there. and maybe scoring two goals in the first game “.
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Bruno Lage is released, Jorge Jesus takes over
But Benfica had a tough time in the second half of the season. At the beginning there were too many draws, after the Corona break there were also defeats against seemingly smaller opponents. Porto, a contender in the league, took advantage of this weak phase and secured the title.
After a long crisis it was too much for Bruno Lage. The 44-year-old was released on June 30, 2020, before the end of the season. The end of the coach under which he was brought brought bad news for Weigl as well.
An old friend took over from Benfica on August 3: 66-year-old Jorge Jesus, who had coached Adler for six years between 2009 and 2015. There has been a crucial tactical change under the veteran manager that has had an effect. adoring about Weigl’s playing time.
Only a six: no place even for Weigl in defense
While Benfica almost always played with two sixes under Bruno Lage, Jesus moved on to a formation with only one defensive midfielder.
As clearer, Gabriel is the clear regular player so far. This is much more physical than Weigl. Consequently, he is more able to cope with the requirements as the only one you are in the eyes of the coach.
Weigl can also help as a central defender, but newcomers Nicolás Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen are there.
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Did the Portuguese adventure end after just one year?
Weigl is mainly stewing on the bench. In this season NOS has been on the pitch over the entire distance in seven games, in the Europa League there is also only one complete game. There are no improvements in sight for the moment. That’s why it’s reported Diskthat both Weigl and the club are considering a winter change. The Bundesliga is named as a realistic goal.
A few weeks ago, Weigl was enthusiastic about his life in Portugal: “Sometimes it feels like a holiday. As a German you are not used to so much sun. It is a new quality of life when you go to the beach or on your free days stroll through the alleys of the city. of dreams “.
For the former savior, this vacation may now end sooner than expected.
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