Franjo Ivanovic has already played 31 games for Benfica, but started only 12. In his debut season at Luz, the Croatian striker has had little space under José Mourinho's command, but he was confident in the future, especially because he has already spoken to the coach. «José Mourinho told me that everything is fine, that he has nothing against me. We only play with one striker and Pavlidis has been scoring, he's a great player, so he has the advantage. Mourinho told me that this was not the best situation for the club in general, that it is a little difficult. He said to continue training in the same way and do my best and opportunities will arise", said the striker, to the Gol.hr portal. Ivanovic also assured that he has no regrets about leaving Union St. Gilloise for Benfica last summer. “I think I started the season well. I played well against Napoli and even made an assist in that game. I'm optimistic, I give my all in training and take advantage of every opportunity. I know that everything changes quickly in football - if I get on the field and score an important goal, it will be a different story. I'm not going to give up, I'm fighting, giving my all and I'm sure that it will bear fruit. There is struggle everywhere, it was like that in Rijeka and St. Gilloise, but in the end everything worked out. I didn't give up and I succeeded. That's how I think now, there are no negatives, only positives. If it were today, I would do everything the same, I wouldn't change anything. I started the season well and I think it’s a matter of time before I earn my place.” «Mourinho also has private conversations, he is very open, he likes to talk to the players. He's an old fox, as they say. He has an attitude, does what he thinks is right and stands firm. It's a big name, it has its own principles and a specific relationship with the players", he added. Ivanovic also discussed the arrival of Rafa Silva, a «very experienced, technically evolved» player who has already caught the eye in his first training sessions. The 22-year-old Croatian also spoke about life in Lisbon. «I've already seen the city, it's very beautiful. Sometimes it becomes difficult to go out into the street without being stopped by fans. They ask me for photos and autographs. Even when the results were bad, the majority of people were positive and well-intentioned. The Portuguese are very temperamental, Benfica has a lot of fans and they are really passionate. They love the club very much, the atmosphere in the stadium is always fantastic. Now, against Real Madrid, it was really crazy.” This season, Ivanovic has played 31 games, five goals and one assist for the Eagles.