Coentrao: "In Portugal, all give me confidence"

The Portuguese left back Fabio Coentrao lives a paradigmatic situation. Since representing his club, Real Madrid, has received harsh criticism from fans and media, which become praise when represents his country: "Here, all give me confidence", he said after the match against Germany in the Euro 2012.

Fabio Coentrao

"I am fine. When you play with confidence, things are totally different. In my case, here in the national team, all people give me confidence" were the statements that the lefty defender said to the Portuguese media accompanying the Portuguese national team at Euro.

Considered one of the best in the Potugal's defeat against Germany, on Saturday, Coentrao was able to control the German end, Thomas Mueller, and also joined the attack with the freshness that characterized his time at Benfica (2010-2012) and in the 2010 World Cup. In his speech does not refer explicitly to the situation experienced this season at Real Madrid, but insists how important it is to enjoy support: "With this trust (talking about his team-mates and the fans) I demonstrate everything what I know, which is playing football", he commented.

The footballer, saddened by the loss against Germany, extracts something positive in this bad moments: "There was a very good attitude on our part in this match. Now we have to take this attitude for Wednesday's game to beat Denmark" he said.

Liga 2011-2012: A championship without signings

Real Madrid recovered the throne league with little input from the five new faces who came to the team 10 months ago. Coentrao, Callejon,Varane, let alone Sahin and Altintop, have not had a main role in the winning of the Spanish league. In fact, them have just played 16% of the minutes in the regular tournament.

Coentrao, Callejon, Sahin, Altintop and Varane

Who has played most, of the signings, has been Fabio Coentrao. The Portuguese has even been a starter in key games of the season; San Mames, Vicente Calderon and Camp Nou. Three important wins for the championship. However, Marcelo has been above him all season, although Mourinho has chosen his compatriot in difficult games at home by offering more reliable defense.

Callejon never won a place at the starting lineup, although he worked and deserved it for moments scoring goals in all competitions. However, at key moments, rarely was chosen for playing with the starters, except in the Sanchez Pizjuan (against Sevilla), where he also scored, and San Mames.

Varane, such as signing for the future, has appeared in placid afternoons to gain experience. Is expected to continue growing. In the last positions of minutes and prominence are the two Turkish, Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop. Both got injured and never won the confidence of the Real Madrid manager. In short, the team earned the league without signings.

Fabio COENTRAO. Coentrao has played almost half of the League. Discussed by the fans and protected by Mourinho until the episode of cigarette, the Portuguese always lived with the slab of the 30 million euro of his transfer.

Jose CALLEJON. 'Mourinho Man' came demanded by the coach, the former youth squad player has been the first among the substitutes. His goal in Mallorca won three key points, but has started only four games.

Nuri SAHIN. 90 minutes are an utopia for Sahin. Nuri's performance was inversely proportional to the expectations that were placed in the left-handed midfielder. He injured in summer in his left knee and had no continuity and rhythm when played. Disappointing.

Hamit ALTINTOP. He has a lot to change so that its history in Real Madrid is not as absent as usual. The Turkish came injured on the back, just after a surgery. When he wanted to join the group dynamics, Mourinho did not see the adequate level to displace any of the starters. He only played as a starter in a game at the Bernabeu against Zaragoza. He scored a goal in the 2-6 of the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Raphael VARANE. He came recommended by Zidane and has completed his adaptation. He is only 19 years old and looks like a great footballer. Composure, character, personality, passing game, good ball game. However, he has not enjoyed many minutes. He played six games home and scored a goal against Rayo.

Fabio Coentrao played in the five losses of Real Madrid

Fabio Coentrao and Jose Mourinho

Mourinho authorized the disbursement of 30 million euros for Fabio Coentrao because he is "multifunctional," said the Portuguese coach in his own statements when the transfer was finalized last summer. Furthermore, his commitment to the Portuguese international player has been much stronger than expected when Real Madrid played 'top' games. Especially surprising because Marcelo, his competitor on the side, has reached a great maturity and is the favorite of Real Madrid fans. Thus, Coentrao has been privileged to play as a starter 11 of the crucial meetings this season, but also carries the cross of having been starter in the five defeats of the white team, playing the 90 minutes of each match, as Casillas, Ramos and Xabi Alonso .

Coentrao has enjoyed the highest confidence of Mourinho, to the point that began the season as a midfielder, was then left side, he alternated the two ends and even played a key game against Barca at the Bernabeu as right back. Against Barcelona he played in the starting lineup in the five matches the team has played this season, while Marcelo was only started twice. Mou relies more on the tactical rigor of his compatriot. That's why he gave Coentrao the 61.2% of minutes in Europe (606 of 990) and Marcelo only disputed 34.5% (342).

Marcelo is most important for the Spanish League and Champions League when the games demanded more attack. Hence, the Brazilian played as starter two major matches against Barcelona (at the Camp Nou in Spanish League and the first leg of the Spanish Supercup at the Bernabeu) and three Champions League matches; against CSKA (after the 1-1 first leg) against Lyon (after 0-2 in France) and against Dynamo away (0-1). In addition, Marcelo also played on the left side in the five stumblings harvested; the defeat against Levante, the draw in Santander and the last three against Malaga, Villarreal and Valencia. On Saturday, a new classic. Will be surprising that Marcelo has a chance to start on the eleven because of the insistence of Mourinho with Coentrao. And if Mourinho does it, we will have to wonder if is the ambition to put finish to the League or to give a rest to Coentrao thinking about the Champions League match.

Mourinho: "Coentrao has played a good match"

Mourinho attending the press conference

"I do not know if there is failure on the Mario Gomez's goal, I am away and could not see it. But I know Coentrao has made a good match. He had a difficult mission and fulfilled. I hate the question because there are other players who have failed in other games and nothing is said". In this way, Jose Mourinho, coach of Real Madrid, answered the question about the mistake of Fabio Coentrao in Bayern's second goal, which put the semifinal 2-1 and obligates Real Madrid to come back at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Still, Mourinho is optimistic about the second leg: "I am optimistic. I believe a draw would have been fairer, but that is football for you: whoever scores wins. It does not matter if you do so in the first or last minute. This result is not awful because it does not force us to make an historic comeback at home. We will have to earn a normal result and I think we are ready to respond. We will start preparing for it after Saturday's match. Real Madrid always play to win and the team is ready to respond in a game in which the crowd will surely want to help".

Furthermore, the Portuguese coach considered that his team did not deserve to lose the match: "We wanted to win tonight. We conceded a goal from a set piece in the first half, during which we played our best. We then drew the score and we felt it was difficult to win even though we did our best at times. Both sides made mistakes and Bayern scored when the it seemed the game would end in a draw. Their first goal was offside, but I cannot criticise the referee for that. I do not feel negative about it".

Finally, Mourinho referred to the fitness of his players: "This is April and we have reached this far after playing very demanding games that we were forced to win, so it is normal for some players to fail to be in optimum form. I think this is normal at this stage".

Squad: Fabio Coentrao (15)

Fabio Coentrao

Fabio Coentrao is one of the best left backs in the current football scene thanks to his solid game in attack, excellent dribbling skills, powerful shot and versatility, which allows him to play anywhere down the wings. He is very experienced despite his young age.

The first important team he played for was Rio Ave, with whom he made his First Division debut when he was just 16. His excellent performances caught Benfica's attention, who decided to sign him in 2007 and loaned him out to Nacional, notching 16 appearances and 4 goals. Coentrao returned to Rio Ave after a brief spell with Spanish side Zaragoza. His good run in the 2008/09 campaign secured his return to Benfica, with whom he truly blossomed and won his first titles, such as the 2009/10 edition of the league and the 2010/11 Cup of Portugal.

Coentrao first played for his country on the youth national teams, making his first team debut in 2009 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Data

• Place of Birth: Vila do Conde, Portugal
• Date of Birth: 11/03/1988
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 72 kg
• Height: 179 cm
• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• Portuguese league: 2010
• Cup of Portugal: 2011

Fabio Coentrao: "I have quality to play for Real Madrid"

Fabio Coentrao

The last signing of Real Madrid wants to prove he is worth 30 million euros that the club paid for his transfer. He said this during a press conference along with Carvalho after the third training day in Los Angeles.

You have spent a few days in your new team, what do you think about Real Madrid's template?It is a fantastic group. I am feeling great, not only by the Portuguese and Brazilians. I feel great in this group. It is a fantastic club and a team with high quality. I am proud to be here, but I have to work hard from now.

Here you smile more than in Benfica...
It is not true that I was sad at Benfica. It's normal to smile, I'm in the best football team of the world with 23 years, a great jump in my career.

Real Madrid paid 30 million euros for you. ¿Pride or pressure?
Whenever I hear the issue of 30 million... They say it was expensive. I can not answer this question. Time will tell. I have the certainty that I have quality and I want to show everyone why they paid 30 million. I have to prove to everyone that I have qualities to be here. I have the certainty that I will respond in the future this question and say it was worth paying the money for me.

What has been most special moment so far?
All training sessions. All times are fun here, although I've only been four days. It's a new group for me and I know I have to work hard these days.

Coentrao is the most expensive transfer in the summer

"A left side for 30 million euros... It is an excellent deal for Benfica", in this way Rui Costa, the Portuguese club's sporting director, defines the sale of Coentrao. He is right, the side has become the most expensive transfer in the summer market. It has exceeded the 25 million that Manchester United paid to Atletico for De Gea.

The 30 million euro that has cost Coentrao clash with the amount of money that has been spent in the transfer market during the summer by Real Madrid. He alone has cost more than other contracts made ​​by the club. So far the Madrid had invested 25 million to sign four players: Sahin (10), Varane (10), Callejon (5), Altintop (free).

With this amount Coentrao equals the transfer of Pepe and, along with central defender, becomes more expensive defender in the history of Real Madrid. As in the case of his countryman, Coentrao aims to make forget the cost of his signing on the field.

Other hand, Garay will become new Benfica player today. The Portuguese club will pay 5.5 million euro for half pass of the player. At first, the player was reluctant to leave Spain, but the good conditions at Benfica would have made him change his mind at the last hours. If Benfica wants the whole pass of Garay, should pay another 5.5 million so the transfer would be 11 million euro, one more than Real Madrid paid to Racing Santander in the summer of 2009.

Interview: Fabio Coentrao

FABIO COENTRAO: "I ALWAYS DREAMED OF PLAYING FOR REAL MADRID"

Ceontrao at the Real Madrid trophy room

Coentrao promises effort, distributes praise and confesses that his only desire was to play in the Bernabeu. "From childhood I always dreamed of playing for Madrid", revealed the Portuguese player in his first interview in white.

You always said you wanted to play for Real Madrid, so this must be a dream come true.Yes, that's true. Every footballer dreams of playing for Real Madrid. I wanted to since I was a child. I used to imagine playing for this team. It was my dream and it has now come true. I hope to earn continuity and to show people I am ready to play here.

What went through your mind as you signed your new contract with Florentino Perez?
I honestly didn’t think of anything. I was just nervous. Being here with the President and signing a contract is like a dream.

Are you anxious to start working with Mourinho and your new peers?
Of course I am. He is the best coach in the world and has been officially acknowledged as such. It makes me proud to have the chance to work with him and a template full of great players.

You will have to compete with quality players as Marcelo for a starter place in the team, but competition is good in order for a player to grow…
It is good, especially for Real Madrid. Having quality players like Marcelo is good for any side. I will work hard to play, and so will he. We will compete for a spot every week and the team will benefit from that. That’s all that matters.

You know the Spanish League from your stage at Zaragoza. What’s your opinion about it?
It is a very competitive League and it has many solid teams. I am anxious to play in the championship and to win it with Real Madrid, which is the best club in the world.

Coinciding with many players from the Portuguese national team may ease your adaptation process.
Yes, I believe it may help me considerably. I have just arrived at the greatest club in the world and, despite the fact that Benfica is also an important club, it is always rather strange. It’s important to have friends here because it will make things easier for me.

Among all the players of Real Madrid, Who do you want to play with?
With everyone. Here there are players of great quality and I have really wanted to share the game with everyone.

What can Coentrao add to Real Madrid?
I consider myself a player who works hard. I try to do everything for my team wins every game. That's my best attribute, I can run, shoot...

You've had more offers. Why did you choose Real Madrid?
It is true that I have had several offers at this time, but I always had clear it; join Real or stay at Benfica. I did not want to leave from there if not to come to play for Real Madrid.

What is your dream for this season?
I have it clear. Win all the competitions we play.

Fabio Coentrao: New Real Madrid Player

Coentrao dreamed since he was 13, when he worked as a painter for a living, with yesterday day. He will play at the Bernabeu Stadium the next six seasons. The Portuguese became the fifth signing by Mourinho for 2011-2012 season (Sahin, Callejon, Altintop and Varane) after the white club agreed to pay the 30 million euro demanded by Benfica. Real Madrid has spent until now 55 million euros in reinforcements.

Fabio Coentrao and Florentino Perez

Fabio has lived an odyssey since last June 7 when confessed his desire to join Real Madrid. Luis Filipe Vieira, president of the Lisbon club, did not consent to negotiate the transfer of Coentrao including white players to lower the transfer. And until yesterday morning when Real Madrid did not confirm the disbursement of 30 million, Benfica did not want to accept the transfer of the player, who had been declared in default the day before because his club claimed transfer him to Chelsea.

Early in the afternoon, the Lisbon club informed the National Stock Exchange of Portugal the transfer of the player, which is required by its going public. From that moment, Coentrao recovered the smile. He arrived at the Bernabeu, he signed his contract until 2017, saw the nine European Cups, spoke with Florentino and had lunch at a popular restaurant in Madrid.

The other side is Garay. The Argentine woke up yesterday with several messages on his cellphone. Madrid and Benfica had agreed to his transfer, but the player does not want to leave Spain. The white club would sell 50% of the defender's pass to Benfica by six million euros. The following season (2012-2013), the Portuguese club could acquire the other 50% by another six million. If Garay does not agree to sign for Benfica, Real Madrid will offer Drenthe, a very valued player in Lisbon.

Coentrao: Agreement between Benfica and Real Madrid

The signing of Coentrao that seemed stalled a week ago, was revived yesterday after the trip of the left side and Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira to Madrid, and seems imminent. Real Madrid and Benfica have approached positions this morning in the negotiation and the signing can be confirmed in the coming hours. In fact, Portugal take for granted the transfer of the player to the white team. Daily 'A Bola' has titled: "Coentrao already a player of Real Madrid", although there is no official confirmation from both clubs.

According to the Portuguese newspaper, Coentrao would have already signed the contract for the next five seasons with the white club. Does not disclose the economic quantities of the transfer but the operation would include the Argentine central defender Ezequiel Garay. In the negotiation are present: Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president, Luis Filipe Vieira, president of Benfica, Jose Angel Sanchez, general manager of Real Madrid, Jorge Mendes, Fabio Coentrao's agent and the player himself.

The incorporation of Coentrao ends one of the first 'soap operas' of the football summer. Following the great interest of Chelsea and problems with coach Jorge Jesus, it seems that the player can make his dream of playing for Real Madrid, with his friends Carvalho, Cristiano, Pepe and his favorite coach, Jose Mourinho.

Fabio Coentrao in Madrid

Coentrao does not travel to Switzerland with Benfica

Fabio Coentrao has not traveled to the preseason stage of Benfica in Nyon (Switzerland), according to the daily 'Record'. Benfica's workforce traveled at 11.30 to Switzerland, where they will make ​​a training stage for 13 days, without the Portuguese international. Coentrao will continue training in Lisbon, after finished last season he made ​​public his desire to leave Benfica and sign for Real Madrid and working with his compatriot Jose Mourinho.

Fabio Coentrao

Coentrao and his agents believe that this week will be crucial to a deal that takes around since May. All hopes are set on Mourinho, to unclog the operation of his coming to Real Madrid and can be incorporated to the white team as soon as possible. Coentrao is optimistic and does not rule to arrive on July 11 in Valdebebas and travel to Los Angeles.

Coentrao is uncomfortable training with Benfica when it looks that soon will be with Mourinho. Even on Sunday, a Portuguese newspaper reported a clash between Coentrao and Benfica coach, which related to the player's desire to force his departure from Benfica. According to 'Correio da Manha', the left side was involved in a dialectical clash with his coach, Jorge Jesus, in the last training and the player was ejected.

In addition, Chelsea would have improved its offer for Coentrao, adding the Serb Slobodan Rajkovic to the offer of 30 million euro that had already made. Rajkovic is a central defender whose market valuation is about 2.5 million euro, and has been loaned successively at OFK Belgrade, PSV, Twente and Vitesse.

'Sale Operation' stops the signing of Fabio Coentrao

Fabio Coentrao is uncomfortable and nervous. The left side thinks is time to close his transfer to Real Madrid and is living days of maximum tension. He does not want to leave escape the white trains and each passing day his concern increases about a situation that fails to resolve.

At this point of summer, the player expected to have resolved his future as Real Madrid player. But the thing is complicated, to the extent that he has had to return to work with Benfica. The problem is that neither the Portuguese club nor the Real Madrid have managed to reach an agreement with the white players who would be involved in the 'Coentrao Operation'.

Fabio Coentrao

In short, Real Madrid 'Sales Operation' has paralyzed Coentrao's signing. And there is another problem. Despite having agreed the amount to pay to Benfica, Real Madrid needs to raise cash by selling players to address the signing of the side. The white club wants to join money by selling the players it has in the showcase, before undertaking the purchase of Coentrao. Finally, there is the issue of 'space'. Real needs to open the door before they get a new tenant more for the white dress. Because with the Portuguese, would be 30 players who would be available to Mourinho. This is a too high figure considering the difficulties that white team is facing to accommodate the transferable players in other teams.

While Madrid does not solve the problem, 'Coentrao Opera Soap' will not end. The player must continue his life in Benfica and on Monday will travel to the Swiss town of Colovray, close to Nyon, where Benfica will make ​​the preseason stage for 13 days. Nevertheless, the agents of the player expect that the return to work of Real Madrid, July 11, will accelerate the sale of players at the offices of the Bernabeu Stadium and thus the signing of Coentrao will be close.

And there is something clear. The player would only leave Benfica to go to Real Madrid. Despite reports that speak of the intention of Chelsea to bet very hard to secure the services of the player, Coentrao is clear that his priority is the white team and he will wait whatever it takes to get on the Mourinho's project. White coach believes his compatriot is a priority for his second project at Real Madrid and next couple of weeks could prove decisive.

Villas-Boas interferes with the signings of Mourinho

Andre Villas-Boas gets in the way of Mourinho. The relationship of the new Chelsea manager with the Real Madrid coach is now cold, non-existent, although Villas-Boas was one of his aides between 2002 and 2009. Perhaps that explains why Andre seems determined to interfere with some of the signings that Mourinho has requested. Villas-Boas takes days working on his project and has already shown his targets to Abramovich, curiously the same of Real Madrid: Neymar, Aguero and Coentrao. And a priority: Ramos.

Chelsea's interest to sign Neymar is not new, but had withdrawn from the bidding ("Mourinho has his man" told a manager to The Sun). However, the arrival of Villas-Boas has reactivated the machinery. Meanwhile, Aguero's statements about his leaving of Atletico has warned the 'Blues'. Yesterday, there was a meeting with Reguera, one of player's agents, who was in Manchester. And finally, Coentrao. His move to Madrid was ready, but Abramovich, guided by his coach, offers 30 million euros and the white club does not reach 25. But the young Portuguese wants to go further and to fish in the Bernabeu Stadium, Sergio Ramos specifically, despite being aware that the right defender has been renewed until 2017.

Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas

The lives of Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas are parallel paths (different styles) and initially shared the same teacher, Bobby Robson. But today, they have no relationship and Madrid coach admits no questions about his colleague when granting interviews.

Villas-Boas started on football with the history of the precocious child. His coaching instinct awoke with 16 years. He was a Porto fan and lived in the same build that Bobby Robson so the coach signed him as a scout in practice (94-95). That's when he met Jose Mourinho, who was 30 years and was technical assistant to the British coach.

They returned to coincide seven years later in Porto. In 2002, Villas-Boas joined the Mourinho's core of trust with Rui Faria and Silvino Louro. The word 'team' is etched for Mou. Villas-Boas was responsible for making reports of rivals from 2002 to 2009. Before starting the second year in the Inter, he told to Mourinho: "I ​​want to work in the field with you or I will go". And it was. Mourinho still wondering why he betrayed in that way.

Villas-Boas was introduced yesterday by the Chelsea and he gave a message to Mourinho: "Football is not a 'one man show', is something related to the group, I am the one group".

Note: Coentrao returns to Benfica

Fabio Coentrao appeared on time this Monday in the first practice of the season at Benfica, but he counts the hours until he becomes new player of Real Madrid. It had been speculated that he was not presented with the 'Eagles', but the Portuguese was professional and went to train, knowing that his days at Benfica coming to an end.

Coentrao used the training to say "Hello" after the holidays and "Goodbye" because of his impending sign for Real Madrid. The player admitted his companions that he goes to leave the team and that the agreement will be announced in the coming days. Apparently everything is perfectly in line with Madrid, Benfica and the player, but the white club have asked to wait until next July 1 and the signing takes part of the budget for next season. It is just a financial issue that has caused that Coentrao is taking time to say goodbye to those who have been his teammates for the past three years.

Coentrao: Benfica training

Coentrao will come to Real Madrid after the transfer of Lass

Fabio Coentrao will be the fourth signing of the season after Sahin, Callejon and Altintop. Last Thursday, his agent, Jorge Mendes, was at the Bernabeu to move forward in the negotiations. Madrid's intention is to announce the signing of Portugal player when closing the transfer of Lass. The French midfielder wants to return to the Premier League. So that the money that Real Madrid earns by that transfer, will fund the signing of Benfica side.

Fabio Coentrao

As is known, the Coentrao's buyout clause is 30 million euros and until a few days ago, Benfica had been reluctant to accept players as bargaining chips to lower that amount. However, contacts in recent days between Jorge Mendes and Benfica leaders have served to bring positions closer. So the Lisbon club is willing to reduce its financial claims and accept a player in the operation, as long as the players offered by the Madrid are Garay and Gago. Both are pleasing to the Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who also would have given the approval to the arrival of both.

Meanwhile, Fabio Coentrao is vacationing with his family in a Mediterranean village, waiting for news of his future. The left side is quiet, but hopes that the transfer will be resolved soon. In fact, he publicly expressed his desire to leave Benfica to sign for Real Madrid. These statements have caused that the Portuguese club opens an expedient to punish him, becuase he talked to the Spanish media without permission.

Coentrao: "I would just leave Benfica to go to Real Madrid"

Fabio Coentrao

How have you felt with the excitement around you these days?

All is well. I take it very happy because it is Real Madrid. I like it. It is normal to be happy because it is the best club in the world, but I must be calm because nothing is done yet.

There are many teams interested in you. What is your first choice?
First and foremost is Real Madrid, with the best coach and best players in the world. There are also many friends playing there. But nothing is done. Of course I like the Madrid and I hope that from now on everything goes well.

Do you feel ready to play in Madrid?
All players must be prepared for everything and I am in all aspects of my life. If this situation goes on I will face it with all my power.

Are you a defensive end or midfielder?
I am a football player, either as a defense, as a midfielder or as a striker. I just want to play, and when you're part of a team, as this case is Benfica, you have to respect your coach and what he needs. Obviously I've been stressing two years as a defensive end, playing at avery high level, and of course I want to give continuity to this position.

Have you talked with your friends in Madrid?
There is always a word here and another there. But as I say there is nothing done. I play for Benfica, and the main thing is that there is an interest of Real Madrid. For my part, I say that I am interested in playing for Real. I'm in a great club and not change it for any other not be the Madrid. It has the best coach and best players and I just want to go there.

In spite of strong competition with Marcelo?
The first thing I would want is to go to Real Madrid, and then work hard. Marcelo is a great player. Everybody knows it. I am humble in my work. I would go to help.

Do you think that to pay 30 million euros for the transfer is too much?
I no longer rests with me. I say I want to be a good deal for Benfica. Benfica deserve to do good business with me. I will be grateful to this club all my life. They deserve respect.

What about Real Madrid?
It is a great club. Everybody knows it. Benfica told me they wanted me to stay, but they fully understand my decision. I told them that if I leave, can only be at Real Madrid and they have been happy with this.

Fabio Coentrao: Real Madrid could be negotiating the signing

The Real Madrid is very well positioned to gain the services of Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao, and even the president of the Portuguese club luso traveled on Friday to the capital of Spain to establish contacts, according to what the 'A Bola ' newspaper publishes today.

The Portuguese newspaper says that the head of Benfica, Luis Felipe Vieira, yesterday made ​​a lightning trip to Madrid to discuss the future of the Portugal international player, valued at 30 million euros, the value of his buyout clause. The same source indicates that progress in the efforts of Vieira were "not substantial", but predicted that talks "will continue".

Fábio Coentrao, considered the best national player of Portuguese League, was converted last season at left-back, his natural position was the midfield, and has played successfully in defense and fluently in the attack because of his speed and remarkable technique. At 23, the player is a permanent starter in the national team of Portugal, with which he played an outstanding World Cup 2010, and is in the orbit of several major European teams, among that Bayern Munich stands out.

Fabio Coentrao