Benfica is a reputation identified far past Portugal on the planet of soccer, and albeit being profitable domestically, their lack of European glory for many years is usually attributed to a particular curse.
With two wonderful European Cup wins in 1961 and 1962, the membership as soon as stood proudly on the prime of European soccer. However since then, regardless of reaching eight European finals, they’ve by no means gained once more.
Many consider this misfortune stems from a curse which was spoken by their former coach, Béla Guttmann.
The Guttmann curse
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Again in 1962, after main Benfica to back-to-back European Cup victories. The second being a surprising 5-3 win over Real Madrid, Guttmann felt he deserved extra. He boldly requested the membership’s board for a 65% pay rise. After they refused, he stormed out, reportedly declaring:
Not in 100 years from now will Benfica ever be European champion.
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From that second on, the so-called curse was born.
Guttmann’s background
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Béla Guttmann was no peculiar man. Born in Budapest in 1899, he began life as a dancer earlier than turning to soccer. He travelled the world, taking part in and training in Hungary, Austria, the USA, Brazil, and Italy.
He lived by the horrors of the Holocaust, shedding household and pals, however survived to proceed his journey in soccer.
Recognized for his robust opinions, Guttmann by no means shied from controversy. After being dismissed from AC Milan, he famously instructed reporters:
I’ve been sacked regardless that I’m neither a felony nor a gay. Goodbye.
All assault – Guttmann’s philosophy
He later managed FC Porto and, in a shock transfer, joined their rivals Benfica. There, he made huge selections, sacking 20 senior gamers and bringing in a younger star from Mozambique named Eusebio.
Below Guttmann, Benfica performed daring, attacking soccer. He as soon as stated:
I by no means minded if the opposition scored as a result of I all the time thought we might rating extra.
His perception in psychological preparation additionally helped his staff dream huge, particularly within the 1962 closing.
Although Guttmann quickly moved on, he believed “the third season is deadly” and his shadow by no means left.
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Eusebio pleads with Guttmann posthumously
Even Eusebio believed within the curse. In 1990, earlier than a European closing in Vienna, he visited Guttmann’s grave, asking for forgiveness.
The curse appeared to proceed in 2014, when Benfica misplaced yet one more closing. They had been overwhelmed 4-2 on penalties by Sevilla after then coach Jorge Jesus and his gamers publicly laughed off the curse.
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Coincidence? Possibly. However many nonetheless whisper about Guttmann’s phrases right now.
