In a candid address that resonated deeply with supporters, Rui Costa, the esteemed president of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, officially launched his re-election campaign from the heart of the club`s loyal fan base in Paredes. This was not a polished, televised spectacle, but a heartfelt conversation, where Costa offered a remarkably honest introspection into his tenure, including a striking admission that he took on the club`s top job “unprepared.”
The Unexpected Helm: From Pitch to Presidency
His journey to the presidential suite was, by his own account, less a carefully planned ascent and more an emergency call to duty. “I became president overnight,” Costa recounted, painting a vivid picture of a man thrust into leadership during what he termed “perhaps the most controversial period in our history.” One day, he was immersed in technical football operations at Seixal; the next, he was tasked with steering the entire club. It was, some might observe, a rather abrupt career change, less a promotion and more an emergency parachute deployment.
This turbulent period, marked by significant financial and structural challenges, saw many potential candidates shy away. “Many hid,” Costa stated, noting that only he and Francisco Benitez stepped forward to confront the storm. This sense of solitary responsibility, he argued, forged his resolve and deep understanding of the immense weight that comes with leading a club of Benfica`s stature.
A Mandate Under the Microscope: Four Years of Reflection
Reflecting on his four-year mandate, Costa demonstrated a humility rarely seen in high-stakes sports management. He openly acknowledged that securing “only four titles in football is too little.” This self-assessment, while perhaps a slight understatement given Benfica`s historical dominance and the fiercely competitive landscape, speaks volumes about the high expectations intrinsic to the club`s DNA and his own exacting standards. He confessed to feeling the fans` frustration intensely, stating, “no one feels the absence of those titles more than I do.”
Despite this, he urged a broader perspective, recalling seasons where the team remained highly competitive until the very end, even if ultimate glory proved elusive in certain competitions. He touched upon challenging moments that characterized earlier parts of his presidency – the sting of defeats against seemingly weaker opponents, the pressures of coaching changes. Such periods, he emphasized, tested the club`s resilience and shaped his leadership.
Financial Stability Amidst Ambition
One critical area where Costa presented a strong case was the club`s financial health. Addressing persistent rumors and critics, he playfully countered: “If the financial situation were problematic, there wouldn`t be six candidates.” This sardonic observation subtly underscores a key achievement of his tenure: a positive operating result of 34.4 million euros at the end of his term. He proudly declared that the club concludes its mandate “without any problems with athletes, employees, clubs, suppliers, or external services.” This financial robustness, he implied, is a silent testament to diligent stewardship, providing a solid foundation for future sporting ambitions rather than merely extinguishing fires.
The Unwavering Heart: Connecting with the Casas do Benfica
In a deliberate and strategic move designed to reinforce his connection with the club`s grassroots, Costa chose a Casa do Benfica in Paredes as the venue for his campaign launch. He lauded these fan clubs as “true ambassadors of Benfiquismo,” radiating the club`s “immense flame” across the globe. This choice, he explained, was a conscious decision to prioritize direct engagement with the supporters over a more impersonal television appearance.
“It is among the Benfiquistas that I like to be, it is to the Benfiquistas that I must speak and prove that I deserve to continue to be the president of Benfica,” he affirmed, encapsulating his belief in direct accountability to the club`s lifeblood.
A Vision for the Future: Preparedness Through Experience
Rui Costa’s campaign message is one of evolved leadership. What began as an unprepared leap of faith has, through four years of intense experience and direct engagement, transformed into a leadership steeped in reality and responsibility. He acknowledges the past`s shortcomings with humility while presenting a clear picture of financial stability and a renewed, battle-tested commitment to bringing more titles to the Estádio da Luz. His address wasn`t merely a campaign speech; it was a narrative of growth, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to the beloved Eagles, promising a future where preparedness is not an aspiration, but a hard-won reality.
