Q&A

‘An honour and a dream’

Benfica’s Gonçalo Ramos is making his Champions League debut this season – and so far he’s enjoying every minute. With Liverpool to come next, we talk to the 20-year-old about his rise to the top

INTERVIEW Carlos Machado

You’re the most recent Seixal academy product to score for Benfica’s first team; tell us about the club’s principles and values.

It’s a good place to be, not just in terms of the professionals here who improve the players and raise them well, but also preparing us as people for life. And also for big moments such as making your Benfica debut and playing and competing at the highest level. I think it’s really important that the club are giving us a chance, because there’s a lot of talent at Benfica, and that’s a fact, not an opinion. It’s not just us but those who’ve already left and those coming through now, Benfica focus on youth overall.

How did you feel on your debut – on in the 85th minute against Pizzi and you scored a brace, right?

Yes, I scored twice on my debut. Firstly, I just couldn’t get my head around making my Benfica debut. Then suddenly my first touch is a goal – and I was still taking in my first goal when I scored my second. I can’t really explain what happened that evening.

As for your growing importance at Benfica, how does it feel to be one of the club’s most important players right now?

I wouldn’t say it like that, but it’s an honour and a dream – as it always has been – to play for Benfica. It’s good that the team is going through a good period and that I’m able to contribute and give my best.

Let’s talk about your coach, Nélson Veríssimo. What’s your relationship with him like, given you’ve worked with him since the youth teams?

It’s an amazing relationship. It’s great to have a coach that knows us well not only on the pitch but also off it. It’s good to feel that. It makes me feel comfortable and I’m happy that things are going well.

Gonçalo Ramos on his way to victory over Ajax

There are similarities between you and Thomas Müller: a player who came through the club’s youth ranks, who plays in any position, who does everything on behalf of the team. What do you think of that comparison?

Yes, I do think I have some similarities, and he’s also a player who’s an example for me. Considering what I do and what he does, I like to be compared to him. I’ve always played this way since I started playing, and I like to be involved in the match in this way.

What would you say is your best position?

My best position is to be on the pitch! like to be involved in the match and I think that brings out the best in me, which is my competitiveness, my desire to work hard and help my teammates, and also my intelligence when it comes to positioning and organising the team. 

Now tell us a little about that match in Amsterdam, and the way in which Benfica managed to neutralise Ajax, a very powerful team.

We were focused and we had a well-defined strategy. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition we were playing away, in that stadium with that atmosphere, against a great team. We went there, we did our job and now we’re already looking towards the next match.

Against none other than Liverpool…

It’s going to be a tough mission; they’re one of the best teams in the world. There’s not much left to say about Liverpool. But we’re here and that means we can knock out any team.

You’re the most recent Seixal academy product to score for Benfica’s first team; tell us about the club’s principles and values.

It’s a good place to be, not just in terms of the professionals here who improve the players and raise them well, but also preparing us as people for life. And also for big moments such as making your Benfica debut and playing and competing at the highest level. I think it’s really important that the club are giving us a chance, because there’s a lot of talent at Benfica, and that’s a fact, not an opinion. It’s not just us but those who’ve already left and those coming through now, Benfica focus on youth overall.

How did you feel on your debut – on in the 85th minute against Pizzi and you scored a brace, right?

Yes, I scored twice on my debut. Firstly, I just couldn’t get my head around making my Benfica debut. Then suddenly my first touch is a goal – and I was still taking in my first goal when I scored my second. I can’t really explain what happened that evening.

As for your growing importance at Benfica, how does it feel to be one of the club’s most important players right now?

I wouldn’t say it like that, but it’s an honour and a dream – as it always has been – to play for Benfica. It’s good that the team is going through a good period and that I’m able to contribute and give my best.

Let’s talk about your coach, Nélson Veríssimo. What’s your relationship with him like, given you’ve worked with him since the youth teams?

It’s an amazing relationship. It’s great to have a coach that knows us well not only on the pitch but also off it. It’s good to feel that. It makes me feel comfortable and I’m happy that things are going well.

Gonçalo Ramos on his way to victory over Ajax

There are similarities between you and Thomas Müller: a player who came through the club’s youth ranks, who plays in any position, who does everything on behalf of the team. What do you think of that comparison?

Yes, I do think I have some similarities, and he’s also a player who’s an example for me. Considering what I do and what he does, I like to be compared to him. I’ve always played this way since I started playing, and I like to be involved in the match in this way.

What would you say is your best position?

My best position is to be on the pitch! like to be involved in the match and I think that brings out the best in me, which is my competitiveness, my desire to work hard and help my teammates, and also my intelligence when it comes to positioning and organising the team. 

Now tell us a little about that match in Amsterdam, and the way in which Benfica managed to neutralise Ajax, a very powerful team.

We were focused and we had a well-defined strategy. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition we were playing away, in that stadium with that atmosphere, against a great team. We went there, we did our job and now we’re already looking towards the next match.

Against none other than Liverpool…

It’s going to be a tough mission; they’re one of the best teams in the world. There’s not much left to say about Liverpool. But we’re here and that means we can knock out any team.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

You’re the most recent Seixal academy product to score for Benfica’s first team; tell us about the club’s principles and values.

It’s a good place to be, not just in terms of the professionals here who improve the players and raise them well, but also preparing us as people for life. And also for big moments such as making your Benfica debut and playing and competing at the highest level. I think it’s really important that the club are giving us a chance, because there’s a lot of talent at Benfica, and that’s a fact, not an opinion. It’s not just us but those who’ve already left and those coming through now, Benfica focus on youth overall.

How did you feel on your debut – on in the 85th minute against Pizzi and you scored a brace, right?

Yes, I scored twice on my debut. Firstly, I just couldn’t get my head around making my Benfica debut. Then suddenly my first touch is a goal – and I was still taking in my first goal when I scored my second. I can’t really explain what happened that evening.

As for your growing importance at Benfica, how does it feel to be one of the club’s most important players right now?

I wouldn’t say it like that, but it’s an honour and a dream – as it always has been – to play for Benfica. It’s good that the team is going through a good period and that I’m able to contribute and give my best.

Let’s talk about your coach, Nélson Veríssimo. What’s your relationship with him like, given you’ve worked with him since the youth teams?

It’s an amazing relationship. It’s great to have a coach that knows us well not only on the pitch but also off it. It’s good to feel that. It makes me feel comfortable and I’m happy that things are going well.

Gonçalo Ramos on his way to victory over Ajax

There are similarities between you and Thomas Müller: a player who came through the club’s youth ranks, who plays in any position, who does everything on behalf of the team. What do you think of that comparison?

Yes, I do think I have some similarities, and he’s also a player who’s an example for me. Considering what I do and what he does, I like to be compared to him. I’ve always played this way since I started playing, and I like to be involved in the match in this way.

What would you say is your best position?

My best position is to be on the pitch! like to be involved in the match and I think that brings out the best in me, which is my competitiveness, my desire to work hard and help my teammates, and also my intelligence when it comes to positioning and organising the team. 

Now tell us a little about that match in Amsterdam, and the way in which Benfica managed to neutralise Ajax, a very powerful team.

We were focused and we had a well-defined strategy. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition we were playing away, in that stadium with that atmosphere, against a great team. We went there, we did our job and now we’re already looking towards the next match.

Against none other than Liverpool…

It’s going to be a tough mission; they’re one of the best teams in the world. There’s not much left to say about Liverpool. But we’re here and that means we can knock out any team.

Q&A

‘An honour and a dream’

Benfica’s Gonçalo Ramos is making his Champions League debut this season – and so far he’s enjoying every minute. With Liverpool to come next, we talk to the 20-year-old about his rise to the top

INTERVIEW Carlos Machado

Text Link

You’re the most recent Seixal academy product to score for Benfica’s first team; tell us about the club’s principles and values.

It’s a good place to be, not just in terms of the professionals here who improve the players and raise them well, but also preparing us as people for life. And also for big moments such as making your Benfica debut and playing and competing at the highest level. I think it’s really important that the club are giving us a chance, because there’s a lot of talent at Benfica, and that’s a fact, not an opinion. It’s not just us but those who’ve already left and those coming through now, Benfica focus on youth overall.

How did you feel on your debut – on in the 85th minute against Pizzi and you scored a brace, right?

Yes, I scored twice on my debut. Firstly, I just couldn’t get my head around making my Benfica debut. Then suddenly my first touch is a goal – and I was still taking in my first goal when I scored my second. I can’t really explain what happened that evening.

As for your growing importance at Benfica, how does it feel to be one of the club’s most important players right now?

I wouldn’t say it like that, but it’s an honour and a dream – as it always has been – to play for Benfica. It’s good that the team is going through a good period and that I’m able to contribute and give my best.

Let’s talk about your coach, Nélson Veríssimo. What’s your relationship with him like, given you’ve worked with him since the youth teams?

It’s an amazing relationship. It’s great to have a coach that knows us well not only on the pitch but also off it. It’s good to feel that. It makes me feel comfortable and I’m happy that things are going well.

Gonçalo Ramos on his way to victory over Ajax

There are similarities between you and Thomas Müller: a player who came through the club’s youth ranks, who plays in any position, who does everything on behalf of the team. What do you think of that comparison?

Yes, I do think I have some similarities, and he’s also a player who’s an example for me. Considering what I do and what he does, I like to be compared to him. I’ve always played this way since I started playing, and I like to be involved in the match in this way.

What would you say is your best position?

My best position is to be on the pitch! like to be involved in the match and I think that brings out the best in me, which is my competitiveness, my desire to work hard and help my teammates, and also my intelligence when it comes to positioning and organising the team. 

Now tell us a little about that match in Amsterdam, and the way in which Benfica managed to neutralise Ajax, a very powerful team.

We were focused and we had a well-defined strategy. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition we were playing away, in that stadium with that atmosphere, against a great team. We went there, we did our job and now we’re already looking towards the next match.

Against none other than Liverpool…

It’s going to be a tough mission; they’re one of the best teams in the world. There’s not much left to say about Liverpool. But we’re here and that means we can knock out any team.

You’re the most recent Seixal academy product to score for Benfica’s first team; tell us about the club’s principles and values.

It’s a good place to be, not just in terms of the professionals here who improve the players and raise them well, but also preparing us as people for life. And also for big moments such as making your Benfica debut and playing and competing at the highest level. I think it’s really important that the club are giving us a chance, because there’s a lot of talent at Benfica, and that’s a fact, not an opinion. It’s not just us but those who’ve already left and those coming through now, Benfica focus on youth overall.

How did you feel on your debut – on in the 85th minute against Pizzi and you scored a brace, right?

Yes, I scored twice on my debut. Firstly, I just couldn’t get my head around making my Benfica debut. Then suddenly my first touch is a goal – and I was still taking in my first goal when I scored my second. I can’t really explain what happened that evening.

As for your growing importance at Benfica, how does it feel to be one of the club’s most important players right now?

I wouldn’t say it like that, but it’s an honour and a dream – as it always has been – to play for Benfica. It’s good that the team is going through a good period and that I’m able to contribute and give my best.

Let’s talk about your coach, Nélson Veríssimo. What’s your relationship with him like, given you’ve worked with him since the youth teams?

It’s an amazing relationship. It’s great to have a coach that knows us well not only on the pitch but also off it. It’s good to feel that. It makes me feel comfortable and I’m happy that things are going well.

Gonçalo Ramos on his way to victory over Ajax

There are similarities between you and Thomas Müller: a player who came through the club’s youth ranks, who plays in any position, who does everything on behalf of the team. What do you think of that comparison?

Yes, I do think I have some similarities, and he’s also a player who’s an example for me. Considering what I do and what he does, I like to be compared to him. I’ve always played this way since I started playing, and I like to be involved in the match in this way.

What would you say is your best position?

My best position is to be on the pitch! like to be involved in the match and I think that brings out the best in me, which is my competitiveness, my desire to work hard and help my teammates, and also my intelligence when it comes to positioning and organising the team. 

Now tell us a little about that match in Amsterdam, and the way in which Benfica managed to neutralise Ajax, a very powerful team.

We were focused and we had a well-defined strategy. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition we were playing away, in that stadium with that atmosphere, against a great team. We went there, we did our job and now we’re already looking towards the next match.

Against none other than Liverpool…

It’s going to be a tough mission; they’re one of the best teams in the world. There’s not much left to say about Liverpool. But we’re here and that means we can knock out any team.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

You’re the most recent Seixal academy product to score for Benfica’s first team; tell us about the club’s principles and values.

It’s a good place to be, not just in terms of the professionals here who improve the players and raise them well, but also preparing us as people for life. And also for big moments such as making your Benfica debut and playing and competing at the highest level. I think it’s really important that the club are giving us a chance, because there’s a lot of talent at Benfica, and that’s a fact, not an opinion. It’s not just us but those who’ve already left and those coming through now, Benfica focus on youth overall.

How did you feel on your debut – on in the 85th minute against Pizzi and you scored a brace, right?

Yes, I scored twice on my debut. Firstly, I just couldn’t get my head around making my Benfica debut. Then suddenly my first touch is a goal – and I was still taking in my first goal when I scored my second. I can’t really explain what happened that evening.

As for your growing importance at Benfica, how does it feel to be one of the club’s most important players right now?

I wouldn’t say it like that, but it’s an honour and a dream – as it always has been – to play for Benfica. It’s good that the team is going through a good period and that I’m able to contribute and give my best.

Let’s talk about your coach, Nélson Veríssimo. What’s your relationship with him like, given you’ve worked with him since the youth teams?

It’s an amazing relationship. It’s great to have a coach that knows us well not only on the pitch but also off it. It’s good to feel that. It makes me feel comfortable and I’m happy that things are going well.

Gonçalo Ramos on his way to victory over Ajax

There are similarities between you and Thomas Müller: a player who came through the club’s youth ranks, who plays in any position, who does everything on behalf of the team. What do you think of that comparison?

Yes, I do think I have some similarities, and he’s also a player who’s an example for me. Considering what I do and what he does, I like to be compared to him. I’ve always played this way since I started playing, and I like to be involved in the match in this way.

What would you say is your best position?

My best position is to be on the pitch! like to be involved in the match and I think that brings out the best in me, which is my competitiveness, my desire to work hard and help my teammates, and also my intelligence when it comes to positioning and organising the team. 

Now tell us a little about that match in Amsterdam, and the way in which Benfica managed to neutralise Ajax, a very powerful team.

We were focused and we had a well-defined strategy. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. In addition we were playing away, in that stadium with that atmosphere, against a great team. We went there, we did our job and now we’re already looking towards the next match.

Against none other than Liverpool…

It’s going to be a tough mission; they’re one of the best teams in the world. There’s not much left to say about Liverpool. But we’re here and that means we can knock out any team.

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