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Benfica Lisbon coach Roger Schmidt has criticized the circumstances of Alejandro Grimaldo’s transfer to former club Bayer Leverkusen. The way the ‘Werkself’ advertised this week with photos and an interview on the website was « not particularly smart », Schmidt said on Saturday at the Benfica campus in Seixal.
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« In my opinion, it was completely unnecessary. It’s normal for him to leave, but not this way, » the 56-year-old said. « It wasn’t good for his new club because their players don’t want to see pictures related to the new season either, they want to focus on the current one. It wasn’t good for us either because there were troubles. » However, he will give his full support to Grimaldo in the last two games because he is a great professional.
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The Spanish left-back will move to Leverkusen on a free transfer this summer. Bayer 04 announced his signing with photos and a video interview earlier this week. This has caused turmoil in Schmidt’s club environment, with which he can become Portuguese champions this weekend. For that, Benfica need a win in the city derby at Sporting Lisbon on Sunday.
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« If we focus on ourselves and win, we will be champions in Portugal. That’s a big motivation for us, » Schmidt said. « We’re in top form and we really believe in ourselves. » nearest pursuer, FC Porto, lost their match against FC Famalicão on Saturday evening, Benfica would quickly be champions.
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