"Defend well" is the recipe for "winning the game"

The Pavilhão Fidelidade hosts Benfica's first game in group C of the 2021/22 edition of the FIBA Europe Cup this Tuesday, at 21h00. The coach Norberto Alves and the base José Barbosa, in a press conference, launched the challenge with Den Bosch.  

"One of the big motivations for changing clubs was the possibility of playing in Europe and being able to meet teams at a high level. Den Bosch is still undefeated, has five games, five wins, and likes to play in transition. They are extremely fast. Defensively we must communicate a lot. We have injury problems and we will have to adjust. We must defend well, secure the defensive rebound to avoid second shots. By avoiding second shots and transitions, we come closer to winning the game. Then, we must be ourselves. We are a collective team, sharing the ball and that will be decisive tomorrow [Tuesday]. This team is good, and it's not supposed to be easy. It will require us to be at our best level and we appeal to our fans to come to the pavilion", he analyzed.

"Benfica's goal is to tackle competitions game by game to win them. It is something difficult, but not impossible. My career was made conquering things that seemed impossible", finished Norberto Alves.

José Barbosa: "I'm full of ambition" 

"The group is naturally motivated. The preseason was long, and the launch of the season is being intense. The qualification for this competition was hard, but motivating, allowed the team to acquire a winning mentality. We will carry that for the group stage, to start the best way", he assured.

"It’s the first time [in European competitions] and it’s challenging. I already played 13/14 seasons in the Portuguese League; it doesn’t surprise me very much. The only international contact I had was through the national team and the possibility to play every three days is something intense. It will be flying, playing, and getting some rest. I’m full of ambition", he underlined.