"We have a good mix"

INTERVIEW WITH UEFA

Experience, knowledge and footballing quality are some of the attributes recognized in João Mário,  who, in an interview with UEFA, explained his role within the group and touched on the virtues of a squad that combines youth and experience. 

FIVE GOALS IN A ROW IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LIKE EUSÉBIO

"Obviously, joining great names like Eusébio, who is a legend, not just of Benfica, but of Portuguese and world football, is inexplicable. I didn't know until the day I broke the record that it had been his. It was an enormous joy. Records are there to be broken, matched, and I was very happy, above all, to have done it for Benfica. I hope to continue scoring this year in the Champions League."

CONSISTENCY GIVES CONFIDENCE

"It's important, in a big showcase like the Champions League, to give your all, to raise your level of football. For me, it was important to do a season on big stages, in decisive moments, at the level I did, because it gives me confidence, it gives me even more maturity to trust in my abilities, and I was very happy, because it's not easy."

THE EMOTIONS OF GOALS

"The most beautiful feeling in footballis the goal, it gives you a huge adrenaline rush because there's a whole stadium celebrating, your fans and teammates too. When it's a Champions League game, the adrenaline goes through the roof. It's the best competition at club level, so it's always a huge motivation for me and all the players to play. Scoring is the icing on the cake."

YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE GO HAND IN HAND

"At my age, I obviously have more responsibility, I'm one of the oldest players in the squad and sub captain of the team.It's important for our team to have young players, it's part of the club's identity. We have players from the youth system, and we have great talent. We have a good mix, because you need some energy and freshness, the youngsters give us that, and, especially in the Champions League, you need a lot of experience. I think that makes a big difference in tough games." 

FREEDOM ON THE PITCH

"Yes, we [the players] have a lot of fun because there's a lot of freedom on the pitch. Obviously, we have a tactical commitment with the manager, but he gives us a lot of freedom to put our skills and characteristics on the pitch. That makes all the difference, there's no tactical regime. As the games go by, with great performances, you grow more and more, believing more and more, I think that's our secret."

THE KEY POINTS IN THE CHAMPIONS 2022/23

"We had a lot of belief in what we were doing, obviously we've always faced great teams and from the start they were favorites. But we never believe that too much, because on the pitch things can be different. We were at a great level in the Champions League, it won't be easy to repeat that this year, but what we'll try to do is, within our group, do even better than last year."