Orkun Kokcu Makes a Remark About His Former Coach After Being Named “Man of the Match”

Orkun Kokcu, who was named the best player in Benfica’s 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, made striking comments regarding the team’s former coach, Roger Schmidt, when asked about him.

The player, now in his second season with Benfica, had limited playing time and did not get the chance to showcase his skills under the management of the German coach last season. However, he has shone under the new coach, Bruno Lage.

After Portuguese coach Lage took over Benfica on September 5, Orkun became one of the consistent players in the starting eleven. Most recently, he was named the best player in the 4-0 victory against Spain’s Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

The 23-year-old player, who scored Benfica’s final goal from a penalty, stated in an interview with Sport TV after the match, “I can now say that I enjoy playing for Benfica.”

Orkun Kokcu said, “Of course, I am very happy because I had tough moments last year, and now I can say that I enjoy playing for Benfica. We have a great team and coaching staff. We achieved an important and beautiful victory. Now we will focus on the league match.”

The young player, responding to the Portuguese media’s constant inquiries about former coach Schmidt, stated, “I don’t want to speak badly about the former coach anymore; I’m focused on the future.” He emphasized that he enjoys playing in the system brought in by Bruno Lage.

Orkun Kokcu shared that, like every player, he is ambitious, but he stays focused on one match at a time while looking to the future. He also thanked the Benfica fans for their support.

On the other hand, the Portuguese media reported that Benfica experienced a “celebration-like night” with their resounding victory against Atletico Madrid, noting that Orkun Kokcu and Kerem Akturkoglu were among the key players of the evening.