Zeki Amdouni Blames Bruno Lage for Benfica Struggles — “He Didn’t Believe in Me”

Burnley forward Zeki Amdouni has reignited debate over his time in Portugal after openly criticising former Benfica manager Bruno Lage, claiming a lack of belief from the coach stifled his impact. Speaking to A Bola, the 24-year-old reflected on a frustrating season-long loan that produced flashes of promise but ultimately ended without a permanent move.

Amdouni joined Benfica last summer on loan, with the Portuguese giants paying Burnley €2 million for the deal. Despite early optimism, he managed just 852 league minutes across 24 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. His Champions League involvement was even more limited — 11 matches, totalling only 238 minutes.

Now sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in pre-season, Amdouni has had plenty of time to reflect. And his verdict on his former boss was blunt.

“Regarding Benfica, a part of me remains disappointed — very disappointed indeed,” he said. “I feel they didn’t give me the chance I deserved. Despite the limited playing time, I showed good things. The transfer didn’t happen because the coach and I didn’t share the same vision.”

While Amdouni’s raw numbers were respectable given his limited minutes, he never truly convinced Lage that he could be a consistent starter. Benfica rotated heavily last season, and the Swiss international often found himself out of position or used in brief substitute cameos.

“I only played one or two games in my true position all season, without ever complaining,” Amdouni added. “It remains a strong experience, but I regret not having won everything there — because with the squad we had, we should have won everything.”

That statement raised eyebrows among Portuguese pundits, some of whom called the comments “a little delusional” given his limited role and modest output. While Amdouni insists the coach’s lack of trust held him back, many at Benfica argue that his performances didn’t quite justify extended minutes.

Benfica ultimately chose not to activate their purchase option, sending Amdouni back to Turf Moor in the summer. His hopes of relaunching his career under Scott Parker were then dashed when he suffered a cruciate ligament tear during pre-season training — an injury expected to keep him out until mid-2026.

Still, Amdouni insists he holds no grudges, even as he subtly questions his treatment in Lisbon. He also extended good wishes to his former teammates following José Mourinho’s appointment at Benfica.

“I was happy for my former teammates and wish them all the best,” he said.

In our view, Amdouni’s comments sound more like frustration than accountability. He’s clearly a player with technical ability and a keen eye for goal, but elite clubs demand consistency and adaptability — areas where he still has room to grow. Blaming a manager may feel justified, but his career revival now depends on action, not words.

If he can fully recover and recapture his form, Burnley could yet have a versatile attacking asset on their hands. But to earn another top-flight opportunity, Amdouni will need to show more humility and focus once he’s back fit.

The forward remains under contract at Burnley, but with a long rehabilitation ahead, his short-term future lies in recovery rather than redemption. Should he regain full fitness by summer 2026, a fresh loan or permanent move abroad could be on the cards — though he’ll need to rebuild trust and form before another top European club takes a chance.

👉 Burnley fans — do you think Amdouni’s criticism of Bruno Lage is fair, or does he need to take more responsibility for his form?