Rui Vitória: “We are ready for the upcoming competition”

On Wednesday morning was possible to witness the other side of Rui Vitória. People saw the man behind the coach, who visited the “Complexo Sagrada Família Social” in Amadora, where he mingled with children, the elderly and people in need of special care. A different day that left him "heart full".

“My heart is full. Whenever I have the opportunity I like to visit institutions of this nature and wanted to come to see children, elderly people and others who are bedridden, and who need special care. It is very gratifying to spend a little of my time with these people and I particularly like to do so, "he said to the media.

After the international break, the club competition returns with the 3rd round of the Portuguese Cup. “The idea was to use this break to begin an important work cycle, an improvement cycle.  We are beginning a cycle that we want it to be different. We didn't have all the players available due to the national teams  – and that's a good sign-, but we did a excellent work from the technical, tactical, physical and mental point of view. We also looked to the future of Benfica. We worked with the youngster of the B team and the Under-19 team as we often do ”, revealed Rui Vitória.

Benfica will begin a string of important games in a short period of time and it's natural to have a great team rotation. “The match against Olhanense is within the cycle we are now starting. We will field the players who have the capacity to give a good response and who serve the interests of the team, taking in to account the upcoming cycle, with a short  interval between the matches. We want to win the match and go through to the next stage”, he said.

Even with some unavailable players in the squad, Benfica’s coach is confident for the near future. "We are ready for the upcoming competition. We did a good work in this days and I feel that the players are better prepared for the upcoming matches. We'll have a great will in the upcoming match.  We expect to perform well. We worked with a group that pleased me, There were no injuries… The expectations are very good. We want to begin this new cycle winning.”

Finally,  he congratulated Portugal for the qualification for the World Cup in Russia in 2018. "I want to congratulate the National Team, my friend Fernando Santos, the players. It is an excellent job of the Federation in favor of Portuguese football. I am very pleased, "he said.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica