The Club World Cup saw stunning teams as Benfica boss Bruno Lage was seen in a furious row with his own midfielder following a substitution – despite the Portuguese side leading
Former Premier League manager Bruno Lage was remarkably told ‘f*** you’ by his own player during Benfica’s 6-0 win over Auckland City in the Club World Cup. The ex-Wolves was involved in an intense spat with midfielder Orkun Kokcu after he decided to replace the Turkish star with the Portuguese side already 2-0.
Goals from Angel Di Maria and Vangelis Pavlidis saw Benfica cruising and Lage opted to replace Kokcu with ex-Bayern Munich and Swansea ace Renato Sanches. Kokcu did not take kindly to the decision and made as much clear as he departed the pitch.
The 24-year-old was furious as he made his way to the sidelines and refused to shake the hand of his manager. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Kokcu shouted ‘f*** you’ at Lage as the row escalated with the Benfica star taking his seat among team-mates, while Lage fired back by telling his player to be quiet by shushing him.
Lage was soon allowed a moment of smugness as Portugal international Sanches got on the scoresheet to add a third goal for Benfica, soon after his introduction. The 49-year-old coach made sure that Kokcu knew his decision paid off.
The boss, in his second spell with Benfica, covered his mouth to share a few words with his player. It is suggested the 49-year-old told Kokcu that he had a better feel for game when deciding to make the substitution.
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The words did not land well however as Kokcu rose to his feet and vented his anger. The midfielder forcefully pointed towards his manager and was visibly furious.
Kokcu needed to be restrained by team-mate Kerem Akturkoglu as Lage was again put his finger to his mouth. Unsurprisingly, Lage was asked about the situation following the game.
“Orkun Kokcu wanted to win and score more goals, but we decided that Renato should come on,” he explained. “Regardless of the players’ form, I make the decisions.
“In the last game, we started with Renato, and Kokcu came on later and helped us. That’s how it was today, too.”
“I saw the behaviour of a consistently professional athlete. That was a unique experience,” he added.
“He has always behaved very well both on and off the field. He has the desire to help the team.
“I make the decisions I have to make, no matter who it is. I’ve proven that many times. I look at the player’s current situation and make my decisions calmly.”
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