Bruno Lage: "We want the supporters to be proud of the team"

In a Press conference at Caixa Futebol Campus, Bruno Lage, the coach of Benfica, foresaw the home match against Boavista in matchday 19 of the Liga NOS, scheduled for 7:00 pm on Tuesday.

You have had more time to convey your ideas to the squad. How did the last few days of work go?

These were important days to get to know the players better and evolve our game process, the dynamics of a 4x4x2 formation. It was a very productive week.

What Benfica can we will be able to see on the pitch against Boavista? A team outraged team with the last result or a frustrated team?

Neither, it has to be a determined Benfica. We must play with desire, determination, organized and with a tremendous attitude to win the match.

Boavista has switched coaches, Lito Vidigal replaced Jorge Simão. The opponent will not have the ideas of the new coach yet, but what Boavista do you expect to face?

We have been seeing a very competent team, with a strong defensive organization, a compact group, with very good midfielders, with huge quality and quick forwards,  always looking for depth and free spaces. To have a new coach always has an impact on the players, who will want to prove that he can rely on them.

How was it to start a work week after a defeat?

The work never depends on the result, but on our analysis of the game. This is our way of working. If we want to evolve our playing style, we must analysed the match and from there build what we want to improve. We always want to win, play every game as if it was a final, but the fundamental thing is to grow and evolve based on what we do.

Does the defeat in the League Cup semi-final work as a catalyst for the rest of the season?

The team has to be determined to grow, evolve and play well. That is our starting point. I do not look away or at our opponents. I look at what is ours, that is what we need to be focused on. To enter the pitch with determination, organization, quality, provide good spectacles for the supporters, so that they can be proud of the team, and win the matches.

Text: João Sanches

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro / SL Benfica