Club
Congratulations, João Alves!
On the day (December 5) of his 72nd birthday, João Alves, the glory of SL Benfica, spoke to BTV. ”Benfica, since I was little, is the club of my heart. I got used,when I was a child,watching the European Champions Cup,Eusébio,European champions twice,crying Benfica”,said Luvas. Pretas, remembering, with nostalgia, lived the “very good moments” at Glorioso, that is “the titles” won. “Fortunately, I had many more extraordinary moments than (some) bad moments”, recalled the former player and coach of the Eagles academy, who also managed vitória SC in the early 1990s, the first match another of the team. red in Betclic League 2024/25.
How has João Alves’ career with SL Benfica influenced his coaching philosophy?
Title: Celebrating João Alves: Insights from a SL Benfica Legend on His Journey and the Future of Football
Q&A with João Alves, Former Player and coach of SL Benfica
Time.news Editor: João, first of all, happy 72nd birthday! You carry a rich history with SL Benfica. Can you share with us what Benfica means to you personally?
João Alves: thank you! Benfica has always been the club of my heart since I was a child. I remember watching the European Champions Cup and seeing legends like Eusébio. Those moments were defining for me. I grew up idolizing a team that not only won titles but also embodied the spirit of passion and resilience.
Time.news editor: It’s evident that your love for the club runs deep. You mentioned having many extraordinary moments.Could you reflect on some of the titles that stand out in your memory?
João Alves: Absolutely! While there were challenges, the titles were the highlights of my career. being part of a team that won championships and brought joy to the fans created a bond unlike any other. It’s these victories that remind us why we love the game.
Time.news Editor: You’ve transitioned from being a player to a coach and then managing the Eagles academy. How did your experiences shape your approach to coaching the next generation of players?
João Alves: Coaching is about instilling values. My experiences have taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. When I coached at the academy, I aimed to nurture talent not just in skill, but also in sportsmanship. Developing young players into not only athletes but also respectful individuals is crucial for the future of football.
Time.news Editor: As someone who has witnessed the evolution of football, what are your thoughts on the current landscape of the sport in Portugal and beyond?
João alves: The landscape is both exciting and challenging. While the talent pool continues to grow, there is a stronger emphasis on commercialization and the pressure to perform.It’s vital for clubs to balance these demands while fostering the authentic love for the game. We should not forget the essence that brings us to the field.
Time.news Editor: For our readers, what practical advice can you offer to young aspiring footballers looking to follow in your footsteps?
João Alves: The most important advice I can give is to be passionate and persistent. always work on your skills and be open to learning. Respect your teammates and coaches, and never lose sight of the joy that football brings. The journey may have ups and downs, but believe in yourself and stay dedicated.
Time.news Editor: in looking towards the future, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in the world of football?
João Alves: I want to be remembered as someone who contributed to the beautiful game and inspired young players. My hope is that they carry forward the values of hard work, loyalty, and love for the game, just as I experienced.Benfica will always be a part of that legacy.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences, João. Happy birthday once again, and we look forward to seeing more from you in the football community!
João Alves: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk about my beloved benfica and the beautiful game.