Roger Schmidt: "We can expect a good and very intense match"

PREVIEW

Roger Schmidt launched the Portuguese Cup quarter-final match that Benfica will play against SC Braga this Thursday, February 9, at 8:30 pm, at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. 

What can we expect from this clash with SC Braga in the Portuguese Cup? Benfica returns to the stadium where it suffered its only defeat this season...

We can expect a good and very intense match. It's another competition, I really like the Cup, you always play against winners in each round, there are always two in the final and we want to be one of those teams. Playing in Braga is difficult, but we have already shown in several matches that we can play good football away from home. We have to show that we really want to reach the final and win the Cup. It's all about attitude, we are prepared, we have talked about it, and we are looking forward to playing this match, which is going to be so difficult.

Can Gonçalo Ramos play in Braga?

Yes!

With Gonçalo Ramos available, how will you manage this situation, since João Mário and Aursnes are in good form and Rafa come on in the last match ?

It's good to have all players fit. Those who have been playing the last few weeks have an advantage because they are with the team dynamic. Gonçalo Ramos and Rafa have to get to the best level, and then we will see what is better for them, if it will be to feature in the starting XI or to come on during the match. In the coming weeks we will have many games, Gonçalo Ramos and Rafa are very important players.

SC Braga is the only team to defeat Benfica. What does that mean mentally for the players?

It's a different competition, a different game. In the Liga Bwin match, SC Baga deserved to win. We were not at our best, they were efficient and we were not. We have to accept. This is another game, another competition, and it's another opportunity for us to show that we can and want to win in Braga. 

Casper Tengstedt and Andreas Schjelderup have already played for the B team. Will they be in the game sheet in Braga?

No! We decided that they will play for the B team on Saturday [against Estrela da Amadora, away]. They have been training well, but they are in a phase in which they are growing. We have to prepare them for the matches. For now, we have all the forwards fit and available. We have to increase their physical levels to be in shape.