Flamengo steps onto the pitch motivated for Benfica, says Bruno Henrique

In a press conference on July 10, forward Bruno Henrique stated that Flamengo is fully focused and motivated for the friendly against Benfica, scheduled for next Saturday in Portugal. He highlighted the role of veterans during the inter‑season and stressed that the match will be treated as a competition despite being a friendly. Currently, Flamengo tops Serie A with 79 points, 23 wins, 10 draws and 5 losses, holding a 3‑point lead over Palmeiras.

Why motivation matters at this stage?

The Algarve training camp gathers a youthful squad, yet experienced players share the duty of guiding the newcomers, as Bruno Henrique noted. He mentioned that the responsibility is shared among seasoned figures like Leonardo Jardim, who previously worked with Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese coach demands intensity in training, and the striker added that "everyone here aims to give their best so Flamengo arrives strong for the next semester." This mindset is vital after the team’s 3‑0 defeat to RB Bragantino on April 3.

How does the Benfica friendly fit the schedule?

The match against Benfica is the final preparation game before returning to Brazil. It also marks the debut of Benfica’s new manager and includes a trophy on the line, with a full stadium adding pressure. Bruno Henrique likened the situation to the River Plate friendly, emphasizing that "whether it’s a friendly or not, we are professionals and treat it like a championship game." Flamengo still lacks Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá and Jorge Carrascal, but the squad trusts its depth to keep the league lead.

What follows the friendly?

After the Portugal showdown, Flamengo heads back to Rio to host São Paulo on July 26, a fixture that could narrow the gap with Palmeiras, currently second in the table. The upcoming match is crucial to cement the recent form of 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in the last five games, with the two most recent results being defeats. The team hopes to turn the friendly’s energy into consistent performance in the second half of the season, maintaining an average of 78 goals scored and 27 conceded so far.