"We have big goals in the Cup, we want to win it"

PREVIEW

After the international break, Benfica returns to action this Saturday, November 25, against Famalicão. At the Estádio da Luz, in the 4th round of the Portuguese Cup, at 8.45 pm, the Reds will be looking to qualify for the next stage of the competition.

What can we expect from the team's return against Famalicão in the Portuguese Cup after the break?

We're happy to be playing again. To be honest, I'm also very happy that this phase of three international breaks is over, because it's very demanding for everyone, especially the players. Always playing three weeks, then having two weeks for the national team, then three weeks again, this schedule three times... I'm happy that we can focus 100 percent on Benfica until March. For the next few months, we'll only be playing here, and that's good for us. To create a good rhythm, to develop and to improve. That's very good, and now we have our first game after the international break, and it's a cup game. We're happy to be playing at home, but we also know that we're playing a very good opponent. They're having a good season, very compact, very disciplined tactically, they haven't conceded many goals, and they're dangerous in attack. It's a cup game, which always has special stories. We have big goals in the Cup, we want to win it this season, and we're ready to fight to qualify for the next round.

Is Kökcü fit to return to the team?

We're very happy with Orkun [Kökcü], he trained with the team again from Wednesday. Of course, he needs some more time to be at 100 percent. Still, he's ready to join the team tomorrow [Saturday] and play a few minutes. Over the next few weeks, we have to develop him to get him to the state he was in when he arrived here and when he played very well at the start of the season. It's clear that he's a player who has a lot of influence on our game and makes very good decisions on the pitch. We're happy that he no longer feels any pain. He's ready, but of course we need a few games to develop him to 100 percent.

Given João Neves' performance in the derby with Sporting, do you think it was a mistake to put him on the wing in other games?

We had some issues in the team to resolve. We always have to find the best solution for each game. We played three games with a three-man defense, and Fredrik [Aursnes] and João Neves more on the wings, as attacking midfielders. I think they did very well in two games. Against Real Sociedad it was different, but not just because of that. The approach wasn't perfect and we lost. Against Sporting, we went back to our normal formation, it's the formation we're used to using with all the tactical details, in which the players are very confident. We had to find new solutions, and Morato played at left-back and João Neves was available to play in midfield. Looking back doesn't make much sense, as I always have to make decisions before and during games in order to opt for the right changes. Now, of course João Neves is more of a central midfielder than a winger or defender, but as coaches we sometimes have to be flexible and creative. Given their technical ability, strategy and intelligence, these players can play in almost any position, like Fredrik Aursnes, who has been doing very well. João Neves is also a player who can play in any position and always plays well, but of course we want the players in the positions in which they are best, which is sometimes not possible, as I explained.

What is your opinion on the UEFA punishment that prevents Benfica from having fans at their next away game in the Champions League?

It's not good. We've already played an away game without fans against Inter Milan. We need our fans. What they did wasn't good, because the stadium has to be a safe place for everyone. You can support in the stands, but without there being any danger to other people. All our fans are being affected because of a minority who did this. It's not good, and it makes the game more difficult in Salzburg.