Rui Vitória: “The season is long and we have capacity for more”

The coach of Benfica, Rui Vitória previewed, in press conference, the Matchday 12 of Liga NOS against V. Setúbal. 

“The perspective is to win, not with the idea of achieving the best record but because we want it. The V. Setúbal plays a positive football, but this is another competition and we'll see their game plan. Our ambition is to get the three points home, knowing that it will be a difficult game for us, but also for those who visit Luz", said the coach.

The football played by Benfica has been criticized many times. Rui Vitória devalues the fact and remembered that everything changes when the ball touches the net. 

“Everyone has a different opinion. A goal changes the vision that we have about a match. Each coach wants to improve things and the football. But there is a moment when it doesn't happen. About the quality... We have capacity to do more. The season is long, a marathon. There are matches to be played and other to win", he considered. 

RÚBEN DIAS  IS STILL NOT AN OPTION AND THE LARGE GROUP NEEDS TO BE WELL MANAGED

The few utilization of Gabriel Barbosa and the Rúben Dias' surgery (appendicitis) were also a theme...

“We have a large squad and only 11 can play. We are talking about a player who came after the beginning of the season, there are other players for the same position... [Gabriel Barbosa] He has been working well, he already played in a few matches. They all have an opportunity".

“Rúben [Dias] came back to Seixal but he's not integrating the works, because he's still recovering from the surgery. He's not available yet", he revealed. 

Benfica is out of the Champions League, but the coach does not believe that this might affect the squad, as there are other things to win.

“It's obvious that we are not satisfied. We're sad because we know that we have capacity for more. The Champions League is gone. Now it’s time to focus on the following competitions: Championship, Portuguese Cup and League Cup."

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica