The Ball – Roger Schmidt “disappointed” with Grimaldo: “I guess it wasn’t necessary…” (Benfica)

Roger Schmidt commented on the departure of Grimaldo, at the end of his contract with Benfica, to Bayer Leverkusen. He criticized the Eagles coach timing The announcement of the left-back as a reinforcement for the German club.

I will try to summarize. When you came to Benfica, there was noise around Grimaldo, and you didn’t know whether to stay or not. We spoke at the beginning of the season and agreed to start from scratch. What followed was wonderful. Grimaldo is a key player and leader and has had a great season. He is always there, he is very professional and he has taken on a lot of responsibility this season, not only domestically but internationally,” he began by saying.

Grimaldo’s contract expired this summer and we all know that. We did our best to convince him to stay, but we also respect the player’s opinion. What he thinks at this stage of his career is crucial, it is a defining moment in his career. If you make the decision to leave, I respect that. The reason for this decision does not matter, it is your profession and your life. We’re probably a little disappointed that he’s leaving, but we have to look at everything in general. He played for Benfica for seven and a half years at most, was always in the starting line-up, was champion three times and, I hope, four times at the end of this season. There are not many players with this history at one club. I respect what you are doing for Benfica, ”and he continued, followed by criticism:

As for posting with pictures, I think it is unnecessary. I guess I could announce it, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to do it that way. It wasn’t even good for the club’s new players, the players didn’t want to focus on next season already. And little has been good for him. What he has done with Benfica so far does not fit this situation. For me it was wrong. They should have advised him to do it differently. I don’t know if there’s an agreement to do it like this, but like I said, we have to look at the big picture. He is a player who will have my support until the last second of the season. I appreciate what you have done for me and I respect your profession. He added that he was our player until the last minute.