Nélson Veríssimo: "It's a derby, but the focus doesn't change: fight for the victory"

PREVIEW

Benfica hosts Sporting (Saturday, at 9:15 pm) in matchday 34 of the Liga NOS.

How is the team looking at the derby against Sporting? It will be a moment to prepare the Portuguese Cup final, which will take place on August 1?

Our team is looking at the derby with the usual seriousness. With respect to the Cup final, we will have a week to prepare the game. Our focus, right now, is only the clash against Sporting.

How do you expect Sporting in this derby, as the opponent is still fighting for the third position?

The game will have the same importance for Benfica that it has for Sporting. I expect an audacious Sporting, trying to control the game, but on the other side there will be a team with the same goal. I think it will be a good game and I hope to get the win.

Is the fight for the victory a question of pride?

Benfica, due to its past and history, must fight for the win in every match. Tomorrow it will be no exception… Being a game against Sporting, it might have another dimension, but the focus doesn’t change.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia, João Sanches and Marco Rebelo

Photos: Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica