“Benfica is the strongest team”

Manchester United's coach, José Mourinho, launched the encounter from Matchday 3 of the Champions League against at the press conference that took place this Tuesday at Estádio da Luz.

The coach has six points in Group A e wants his team to qualify as soon as possible. Nevertheless, he know is not easy to leave Benfica's ground with a good result

“Our goal is to qualify. If we manage to qualify before the last match, the goal becomes to finish first. So, to get a point away at the strongest of the three teams we faced in the group is positive. We want to win the game”, he said.

When questioned about the starting XI, he said: “I don't reveal the team, because the players don't know it, but it also may be an exercise  for you to do because we have several injuries. It won't be difficult to guess. Benfica can finish first in the group, with 12 points or second, with 10. With less than that I don' think they will go through. They have to get points in Wednesday's match. The strategy Rui Vitória will choose ? I don't know, but I guarantee I have studied Benfica the best I could. Rui Vitória has made a lot of different things in the Champions League. He has played with two midfielders, with three, with Pizzi on the flanks… We will tried to do the best an hide the weaknesses we also have ”, he highlighted .

Benfica did not start well in this edition of the Champions League, but continues to be considered the strongest of Group A: “If they win they will keep their aspirations intact, because if they win the remaining three games, they will go through. Benfica is, for me, better than Basel and CSKA. I tried to prove that to my players and I was able to do that. The results don't reflect the strenght of the teams.”

Remembering his spell at Benfica with affection

Mourinho's head coaching career began at Eagles, an aspect that was recalled at the press conference. "17 years are a lot of years, but I remember all the details of my career at Benfica. I played in the old stadium and not in this one. I only came here as an opponent, mostly in the pre-season. Wednesday is for real. With all the respect that Benfica deserves me, I will try to win, "he warned.

 Text: Marco Rebelo