Bruno Lage: “To play with the quality that we have displayed in Portugal”

Bruno Lage, the coach of Benfica, previewed, in a press conference, the match against Galatasaray, for the first leg of the Europa League Round of 32.

Benfica played on Sunday… Were you able to train what you wanted?

There is never much time to train when you play every three days. We have looked at the opponent and what we have been doing. We will pass on everything we know to the players and prepare our strategy well. The most important thing is been done and well done. To step onto the pitch with huge confidence; we want to play an international match with the quality that we play in Portugal.

Why haven't Pizzi, Jonas, and Grimaldo been called up?

It was an option. The season is long, the month of December and January were packed with matches; February will also be, we are involved in three competitions. The most important thing is that the squad gives us guarantees for this game. Everyone has been working hard.

Is Benfica prepared for the environment it will find?

Yes! It will be an environment similar to one we had in our match at home [Nacional]. Our team is seasoned, with internationals who have several international matches. I have already told the players: tomorrow [Thursday] against a good team, with a great coach, in a fantastic atmosphere we have to play with the same quality that we have done in Portugal.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica