Jardel: "We want to do a great match in front of our supporters"

Back at Estádio da Luz, Rui Vitória’s team faces Chaves in Matchweek 19 of Liga NOS and, as always the team has two goals: to win and provide a good spectacle to the Benfiquistas, who have another opportunity to fill out the Cathedral. The tickets are on sale.

"The team has been preparing well. This week we worked hard, focused on our goal. We want to do a great match on Saturday in front of our supporters. What we want more is to leave them happy", said Jardel, who together with João Carvalho, was present in an autograph session at Benfica’s Official Store, on Thursday afternoon.

In the last four official matches, Jardel made a partnership with Rúben Dias in the center of the Four-time champion's defence.

 Rúben Dias is a boy with a great potential, a lot of quality. We have been getting along well and we must continue like that, working to get along even better ", commented the number 33 jersey.

The fifth consecutive league title is the main goal of the season and the team promises to give everything they got in the second half of the competition to accomplish their mission.  

"The truth is that in the start of the season we had some setbacks, but the team overcame all that, that is a thing of the past, something we can’t change. Now we are focused on our biggest objective, which is the Championship. We have been getting good results, the team is focused and working hard ", highlighted Jardel.

In the statements to the press, Jardel was asked about possible contract renewal of  Luisão. "He is our captain. Luisão is a reference, not only to me but for all. There’s no doubt that, if he signs, I will be very happy, and that is what I want ", said de centre-back.  

Lately, the coach Rui Vitória was been under attack from the main rivals, off the pitch. Jardel has defended his commander.

"We have an excellent coach. He is a great person, that is always supporting us in the daily routine, encouraging us, working our ideas and we want it to continue like this. We don’t follow what happens outside the pitch, we are not paying attention to that, we are focused on our daily work", highlighted the defender who has been representing Benfica for seven years, since January 2011.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia and Márcia Dores

Pics: Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica