Bento alongside Paulo Turra
Paulo TurraScolari’s former assistant and then first coach of Athletico Paranaense, was able to work with Bento Matheus Krepski, goalkeeper on Inter’s notebook and beyond. Interviewed exclusively by FcInterNews.it, the 50-year-old coach frames the goalkeeper: “The first memory I have of him is when we arrived in 2022, he was establishing himself as the team’s starter. He had a great year, both in the league and in the Copa Libertadores. This is a very polite boy, a great human being, a spectacular person.”
What are Bento’s best features?
“He is a very cold goalkeeper, who knows how to stay between the posts, someone who doesn’t want to be a protagonist at all costs. He is quick, aggressive, has very effective reaction power. He’s not one of those goalkeepers: ‘Look, I’m here’. He is very calm, an extreme defender of excellence.”
Is he also good at playing with his feet?
“Yes, I say this with total certainty. Bento has improved a lot in this aspect. In this regard, when I became the main coach of the team, I gave him some suggestions, making him work a lot with the staff on this aspect. It was a very important leap in the evolution of him as a footballer, of his playing style. Today Bento is a confident goalkeeper with his feet, he has a good long kick, an excellent short pass.”
Did you think he could make it to the national team?
“Absolutely, I had no doubt about it. In Brazil there is a very good goalkeeping school. I was sure he would be called up and get his opportunity. It happened and he took advantage of the moment.”
Inter is following him carefully. Do you think he would be a good addition for the Nerazzurri?
“Absolutely yes, especially for the type of game that Inzaghi develops. Bento would be an excellent reinforcement for Inter, I could see him very well in the Nerazzurri protocol created by Inzaghi, a very interesting and current model. Bento is obviously skilled between the posts, but also confident with his feet. He mainly has a lot of strength, he plays the ball with quality.”
Do you like Inter’s game?
“Very. Inzaghi managed to achieve an interesting model, I like seeing the Nerazzurri play. And I’m sure Bento would fit right in.”
Is Bento worth the 15-20 million requested by Athletico Paranaense?
“I don’t have the jurisprudence to talk about the economic issue. I can tell you, however, that today you play in a big club in Brazil. In recent years he has been the best goalkeeper in the championship. Athletico Paranaense is a training club, capable of training young and strong footballers. Like Bento, who is liked by Inter as well as other top European clubs. So I say that whoever takes him is getting a bargain, he will be worth the money spent on him.”
Can he be compared to Julio Cesar?
“Julio Cesar is from another era, Bento is calmer. I would compare him more to Taffaril. Then it was clear, then he didn’t play much with his feet, even if Taffaril was strong in this aspect. For playing posture and tranquility, the reference is Taffarial.”
Do you think these will be the last months of Bento in Brazil?
“Atheltico is a financially stable club, it has no economic problems, its facilities have nothing to envy of European ones, the same goes for the stadium. The club doesn’t necessarily have to sell players. So it won’t be easy to buy it. Bento will have an important value. But I repeat, given that he is young and strong it will be a great investment.”
However, Athletico already have a replacement at home.
“Yes, Leo Linck is his successor and he too will be a great goalkeeper. There is also Mycael, goalkeeper of Brazil Under 20. The club will have no problems in goal for the next 10 years.”
