Jorge Jesus: "Play a good game and bring a win from Glasgow"

PREVIEW

Jorge Jesus, the Benfica, coach, previewed the clash with Rangers for matchweek 4 of the Europa League Group D.

What is the strategy set for this match against Rangers, taking into account the quality of the opponent?

It is a very important match for two reasons... The first one is because we can practically qualify for the next phase. The other reason is that we guarantee that in the next matches we can manage the team according to the Portuguese championship. We've worked to play a good game and bring a win from Glasgow. Rangers is a team very well known to us, but also Portuguese football teams. Last year they played against SC Braga and FC Porto... The players are practically the same, the coach is the same and for three years he works practically the same way. The game philosophy is aggressive.

Of the available players, do you have any questions about who you will use tomorrow [Thursday]?

No. We've been working all week for the Rangers match. I have no doubts about the players that will be launched in the match. When the range of options is smaller, it is much easier to work with. I wanted to be with more players available and have more questions about the starting eleven that I would field tomorrow [Thursday] in the match. 

What is the advantage for Benfica of playing in Glasgow, but without supporters?

There is no advantage for Benfica. Everyone wants to play with supporters in the stands. The fact that there are no supporters has worsened the quality of the game. The atmosphere of the supporters forces intensity, anxiety, passion, and great commitment to the game.

Text: Diogo Nascimento

Photos: Isabel Cutileiro / SL Benfica