Rui Vitória: “This group is very united”

Rui Vitória launched the match against CSKA from macthday 5 of the Champions League scheduled for 5:00 pm on Wednesday in mainland Portugal. At the Press Conference, he started by explaining the absence of Grimaldo in the pre-match practice.

“I didn't want to take risks. The temperature was very low. It was an effort management and we'll decide in the game day.”, he said. 

Benfica needs to win to continue dreaming with the qualification for the next stage.

“The belief is the same as many teams from other groups. We are playing with three possibilities [continue in the Champions League, go to the Europa League or be eliminated from the European competitions], it is thinking about that we are going to enter the pitch and we have a great believe”, he assured. 

Due to the absences of Svilar e Júlio César, Bruno Varela will probably be in Benfica's goal. Rui Vitória leaves a guarantee…

“He is ready! Our work method allows the players to be ready when they are called up to play. They must deliver and they have been doing it. We have two goalkeepers, one of them will be between the goal posts and I don't think about nothing else. The team has to be strong, solid, determined and with everyone helping each other”, he highlighted. 

The Russian stopper, Ivan Zlobin is not registered in the UEFA Champions League, but he was a topic in the preview.

“Ivan is not registered in the Champions League, he has been working in the B team. Benfica has, in the goal and in other positions, good players. Ivan has a bright future between Benfica's goal posts”, he stated. 

Minutes before the start of the Press Conference, Rui Vitória has able to speak in exclusive to BTV. The cold issue was raised but the coach undervalued it.

“That cannot be the biggest worry. We must know and prepare the game according to the opponent. The cold has nothing to do with adaptation. The players can be more accustomed to playing with this type of weather and this is more from the mental point of view. From the physiological point of view, when the game starts, players begin to think about the tactical and technical aspects and the cold is overcome.” he concluded

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica