Nélson Veríssimo: "Score first and be very solid"

PREVIEW

Nélson Veríssimo, em conferência de Imprensa no Benfica Campus, in the preview of the game of the 2nd leg of the quarterfinals, gave the recipe that is to "score first" and be "very solid". 

With what feelings will the team go to Liverpool? What implications will Rafa's absence have on your choices, what are the names in your mind to enter the starting XI?

We all know how important Rafa is, he is one of the standout players we have. We regret his absence for this match, but we also have players in the squad who will certainly respond positively. We will opt for the player who is more adequate to the game strategy. We have a lot of confidence in the other players in the squad. If we score a goal first, the tie or the course of the game can change, we go with that ambition. Despite the defeat in the first leg and the difficulties we will encounter, because we will play against one of the best teams in the world, we believe in what we did [in the first leg at Estádio da Luz] and there will be space that we can exploit. We must be very effective in our finishing and very solid in our defensive process. 

Is it more important to hold off Liverpool's early momentum or to score first to relaunch the tie?

Looking at Liverpool, we must control all their dynamics, because of the quality of play and individuality they have. The goal is to outscore Liverpool, our approach must be very balanced. We can't throw ourselves into the game too openly, we must be able to hold out because Liverpool will want to decide the game in the first few minutes. Our moment, opportunity, and goal will come. It will be difficult, but we believe it is possible.

Os treinadores costumam dizer que os últimos 20 metros são dos jogadores, da própria inspiração dos atletas, mas em jogos europeus tem faltado um pouco o último passe. O que tem feito para mudar esta situação?

Também acredito muito nisso. O posicionamento ofensivo e defensivo tem de lá estar, mas o jogador tem de ter liberdade e capacidade para tomar essas decisões. Olhando para o que foi o nosso jogo com o Liverpool, sentimos que tivemos capacidade para chegar lá à frente, mas nem sempre tomámos as melhores decisões. Não critico os jogadores porque rematam e tentam fazer golo, mas temos de perceber que há, por vezes, jogadores em melhores posições para fazer golo. Fizemos essa análise, tivemos algumas situações com esse cariz, por vezes há que respeitar essa desmarcação, colocar a bola. Não podemos castrar os jogadores. Tem de ser o nosso posicionamento, deixar os jogadores criarem, dar azo à sua criatividade e imaginação.

Great match and atmosphere in Liverpool. Do you believe the team can return to Portugal with greater morale to face Sporting?

I believe so! You look at the team's performance in the Champions League from the qualifying round, the group stage, how it responded against Ajax, against Liverpool in the first match, and I think it has everything to go well. The players have no doubts about their abilities, we are going to play a tough team, but they feel they have the ability to fight for the win against Liverpool.