In today's football world, the role and status of coaches are receiving more and more attention, and among them, Bruno Lage's name is undoubtedly a presence that cannot be ignored. The Portuguese coach began his career in 1997 and experienced rapid promotion from the youth system to the top flight, eventually becoming the coach of Benfica. His career not only demonstrates his passion for football, but also reflects his emphasis on youth training and his use of tactics.
Lage was born in Setubal, Portugal in 1976 and showed his love for football at a young age. In 1997, he began his coaching career in the youth training system of his hometown team Victoria de Setubal. During this time, he was carefully trained by the team's former manager and gradually became a rising star in the football world.
In 2018, Lage returned to Benfica as reserve team coach, during which he began to rebuild with the team. By January 2019, due to the team's sluggish performance, he was appointed as the interim head coach of the first team, replacing Rui Victoria. Under his leadership, Benfica's performance quickly recovered and eventually won the league championship in the 2018-19 season.
This is my first time leading a team to a championship, and it all happened so fast.
Lage's success is not accidental. His tactical thinking and emphasis on young players have become a major feature of him. He not only promoted the growth of Joao Felic and made him a key player in the team, but also provided a stage for other young players to showcase their talents. Lage often uses a 4-4-1-1 formation to emphasize attacking football and allow the team to be more flexible on the field.
When I returned to Benfica, I knew I had to trust the young players because they were the hope for the future.
Lage's success at Benfica earned him the favor of the Premier League Wolves, and he took over as the team's coach in 2021. During this period, despite facing high-intensity matches in the Premier League, Lage was still committed to promoting a smooth offensive style and constantly adjusting the team's formation to adapt to the needs of the game.
In 2024, Lage returned to Benfica again. His return has been widely anticipated as fans hope to see the successful trend established during his previous tenure continue. They defeated Santa Clara 4-1 in the first game, showing the commanding ability he still possesses.
I am very excited to return to a place I am familiar with and hope to lead the team to greater glory.