Rui Vitória: "We are ready"

The home match against Fenerbahçe, at 8 pm on Tuesday, in the first leg of the Champions League 3rd qualifying round marks Benfica's official debut in a 2018/19. Rui Vitória guarantees a "very confident" team for the clash at Estádio da Luz.

In a press conference held at 12:30 pm, Rui Vitória explained how Benfica will approach this match against a well-studied opponent.

From the tactical point of view, which Fenerbahçe you expect in the first match of the Champions League 3rd qualifying round?

We will find a top-quality team, with good players, well-organized and that will create situations for which we prepared during the pre-season. Fenerbahçe will play with a line of four players in the defense, four in the middle and two up front.

What Benfica will we see in this first official match of the 2018/19 season?

We will be a very confident and determined team. We clearly know what we want and our responsibility. We intend to start well, winning at our home ground. We are aware that it is an important match for us and we are ready for it. It will be a difficult match but we a very confident.

Has this match an extra “weight” by the fact that the financial prize for access to the Champions League in this season is substantially higher than in previous years?

The workgroup is prepared for the demands of a club of our magnitude. We knew in advance what was waiting for us in this season start. I do not see more pressure because we are used to this. Fortunately, we have this pressure and we play at home with a filled stadium. We really want to play. I like positive pressure, in the sense, we have something to achieve. At Benfica, regardless of the opponent, we never go to a match thinking it is already won. Never! We always show the respect and modesty, knowing what it is to compete.

Do you count on Jonas match against Fenerbahçe?

He will not be in the squad list. In the decision I must make, I feel that Jonas does not fulfill the conditions to be call-up considering the context of the last few days.

Text: João Sanches

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro / SL Benfica