Roger Schmidt: "I'm happy with the players' performance and focus"

POST-MATCH

At the press conference and in the flash interview area, Roger Schmidt praised Benfica's attitude and quality in the 0-2 win against Chaves, on matchday 10 of the Liga Betclic, played this Saturday afternoon, November 4, at the Estádio Municipal Engenheiro Manuel Branco Teixeira. 

PATIENCE, ATTITUDE AND FOCUS

"It was a difficult game because our opponents were very compact. After Tuesday's game [victory at Arouca], we also had difficult conditions today because of the wind. We had to be patient. We showed a good attitude, we gave them almost nothing, a few shots from distance, but hardly any touches in our area. In the first half, we had problems finding the right moments to speed up the game. In the second half, we were better. We waited for the moment, a good situation from João Neves on the wing, we scored a very important goal and, with the penalty, it was decided. It wasn't the most beautiful game of football, but it wasn't possible in these conditions either. It was a very important victory. We defended very well, with a lot of attention, so I'm very happy with the performance and the focus of the players."

IMPORTANT WIN IN A DIFFICULT GROUND

"Every season has a different story. Last season, we lost an important game here. In the end, it doesn't matter, because it's the same club and the same away game, but it's a new season and a different situation. Whenever we play these away games against teams that are fighting for everything, especially against Benfica, we're happy if we settle and win the game. Every game in the league is very crucial. We've already lost points in two games and, in the Portuguese league, we need a lot of points to be champions. That's our goal and that's why today was important. We see how difficult it is to play the games, every game is difficult."

EVOLUTION AND VICTORIES TO FACE A BUSY WEEK

"This week is always the most important. We play in four competitions. On Tuesday, it was the League Cup [win at Arouca], today it was La Liga, we have the Champions League on Wednesday [away game against Real Sociedad] and then against Sporting at home [for the Liga Betclic]. We can win a lot this week. Our situation is good now. Last weekend, we lost two points, but we have 10 games and 25 points, it's good, but we still have to work. We're playing well and showing a good attitude, but there's still potential. We'll improve step by step, but at the moment it's important to win games to pick up points. We also want to show that on Wednesday, so that's our focus against Real Sociedad. We haven't scored yet, and we don't have any points, but we're Benfica, and we want to change this situation. To do that, it's very important to win the games beforehand in order to gain confidence. Right now, we're happy. Now we have to recover and on Wednesday it's a different competition and a completely different game." 

JOÃO NEVES AND AURSNES ADAPTATIONS IN THE WINGS

"They have fantastic character. They're very good at everything, they can run a lot, win duels, play in different positions. They both like to play in central areas of the pitch, but they know that it's important to play in these positions at the moment. They're completely focused on their positions and doing their best. It's very important for us, and the attitude of the whole team was very good today."