Benfica Roger Schmidt Estrela da Amadora

PREVIEW

The eagles are back to Estádio da Luz, a source of satisfaction for Roger Schmidt, after a long time without playing home. The Benfica coach anticipated difficulties for the reception to Estrela da Amadora, this Saturday, August 19, at 8:30 pm, in Matchday 2 of the Liga Betclic.

What do you expect from the clash against Estrela da Amadora?

Firstly, we are very pleased to play in our stadium, which has not been the case for a long time. The last time we played there was on the last day of last season. It’s a big day for us. It’s our first home game, and we want to show good football and win, of course. We know it’s not easy to play against teams promoted to the League. Estrela made a good season, they deserve to be in League, after several years. They are motivated, but we know how to play against these teams, very disciplined, with all players working for the collective. We faced these situations last season and we got to be prepared. We want to show quality and win the game.

Do you feel additional pressure after the outcome against Boavista?

We are always under pressure if we want to win the Championship, which is our goal also this season, and we have to win many games to reach it. In every game, the situation is the same and we always try to win. We know that all three points we get are important.

"We know that all three points we get are important."

Roger Schmidt

Are Arthur Cabral and Trubin ready to start the game? Is this the best moment?

I’m not announcing the starting XI today. In the last game, in my opinion, it was too early to call them in. Now, it’s another week with the team, integration is not complete, but it’s better than last week. They’re training well, they feel good here and are familiar with their teammates, and tomorrow [Saturday, August 19], it’s a new situation. They’re doing well in training. It’s always a challenge when we don’t sign the players at the beginning, during pre-season. Then it’s much easier to integrate them, give them the training and information they need. We have to deal with it, and I have to make decisions. I’m always thinking about the best time to call them, not too soon, not too late. The best integration is for them to play. I want them to have the perfect start at Benfica.

It’s your second year in Portugal. Opponents already know your ideas. Do you think it will be necessary to have a plan B for when plan A is not working?

Against Boavista, we needed a plan B, because Musa was sent off at 46/47’. When you play with one player less, you need a plan B. We decided to change a bit and play with three center-backs and two wingers. In my opinion, we were very well, and we went through a similar situation last season, with Braga, in the Portuguese Cup. We played with ten players and the game was open. On Monday, our performance with 10 players was enough to win and we deserved to win. There were some moments with less fortune. But when we play 11-11, we also need different solutions. Last season, we adjusted our behaviour as a team, depending on the opponent and the game situation. There is something that does not change: offensive and attractive football, with intensity, looking for goals. This will not change. Last season, we also proved to be a compact and very good and dominant team when defending. In my opinion, this is an advantage for us not to concede goals.

Text: João André Silva, Paulo Nunes Teixeira and Rafaela Certã Alves
Photos: Cátia Luís / SL Benfica
Last update: Friday, March 22, 2024