Roger Schmidt: "The important thing is to be focused on our games"

PREVIEW

Leader of the Liga Bwin, Benfica faces Gil Vicente this Saturday, April 29, at 8:30 pm, at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos. In the preview of the match of from round 30 of the competition, Roger Schmidt showed total focus on the next opponent. 

What do you expect from the match against Gil Vicente?

It is the next away match and it's difficult. Gil Vicente hasn't been that good in the last five games, but they are a good team, especially at home, where they haven't lost in a long time. They are a tactically very well organized team, they play football from the back, with confidence, they have a good striker and all the attacking players are good. It will be a difficult task, but we trained all week for that. The players are excited, some in better condition, like Gonçalo Guedes and Alexander Bah, who is returning. We had good moments this week, we are looking forward to a good match tomorrow [Saturday, April 29] and of course we need the three points.

Benfica plays before FC Porto. In your opinion, is this an advantage or a problem?

For me, the important thing is to be completely focused on our games. Nothing changes in playing before or after. We know perfectly well what we have to do, just like we have done in every match this season. We try to be 100 percent prepared and focused on the game during the 90 minutes. There is no difference in playing before or after.

There are five matches left to the end of the Championship. Do you think Benfica has a more complicated schedule, compared to FC Porto?

Yes, we play Braga and Sporting [matchday 31 and 33, respectively] and the schedule is difficult. It is only in our hands, knowing that it is not easy to be national champion. These games at the end of the Championship are difficult, but we are focused on Gil Vicente.

Otamendi, Grimaldo and António Silva are at risk of suspension. Are you considering changing the defense?

We will see. We know that, but for now, as I've said two or three times, we are completely focused on Gil Vicente. Mihailo has also returned, and we have good substitutes for all positions. Morato and Lucas Veríssimo are in top form, they are training at a top level. I don't have any doubts about the quality of both of them. If we have to replace someone due to suspension, we will do it. It is something that is part of football. We will see what decision will be made tomorrow [Saturday, April 29]. I believe in all the players, and then we will see who will be available for Braga.