Roger Schmidt: "My players deserved to win this match"

POST-MATCH

In his analysis of the draw between Benfica and Inter Milan (3-3) on Matchday 5 of Group D in the Champions League, Roger Schmidt stressed that the Eagles' positive display justified a winning result. 

NEW IMAGE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

"It was a great game, very interesting, unfortunately with a draw at the end. We showed that we were disappointed with our performance in the Champions League to date. The players showed a very good reaction, showed a new face and showed why we're in the Champions League. We had an almost perfect first half. We were at the top of our game tactically, we controlled the game without the ball, we were very creative and flexible with the ball. We were very compact, always able to win balls. We were able to create chances, we were effective with our opportunities. It was 3-0 at half-time. In the second half, we conceded very easily. At the start, we conceded a goal from a set piece. We have to accept that we were playing against a good team, and set pieces can always happen. With the second goal, we always have to wait and accept that there's quality on the other side of the pitch too. They scored two goals, but even so, we were always able to create chances and look for the fourth goal, which was also possible. Then we conceded a penalty instead of taking a free kick in front of the opponent's goal, and it was 3-3. And then we got a red card. Still, the players showed a very good attitude, accepted everything and always looked for the win. Even with 10 players, it was possible, we had at least one great chance to score the fourth goal. My players deserved to win this match. We have to accept that it's only a draw, but we were also unlucky that there were so many mistakes against us. That's also part of the history of the game."

DISPLAY IN THE SECOND HALF

"I didn't see a change [from the first to the second half]. I saw an opponent who tried harder, but in the end I think we played a very good game until the last minute, even with 10 players. They have the quality to score goals, to score goals from set pieces. They didn't have many chances, but they were effective. We didn't win because of bad decisions."

DISASTROUS REFEREEING

"Unfortunately, the performance of the refereeing team... I'm appalled. It's unbelievable that this is possible in the Champions League. If we needed evidence that more referees aren't producing a better result on the pitch, then today we had it. There were six people involved in all the decisions. Before the second goal, you could argue about a foul in midfield. And then the penalty was a joke. It was a foul for us in a very good position. That was the first mistake! The second mistake was the penalty. In the end, they gave a penalty, it wasn't a penalty. They gave a red card, it wasn't a red card. Throws, corners, everything they could do wrong, they did wrong. To be honest, it was a disaster for me. My players deserved better than what they got today."

CONVERSATION WITH THE REFEREE

"Before I could speak, he said that if I said anything, I'd get a red card. That was the conversation."

CHANCES OF MAKING IT TO THE EUROPA LEAGUE

"Of course it's difficult, because we know we don't just have to win [Benfica need to win by at least two goals]. It's very hard at Salzburg, but it's our job. It's very difficult to play there without fans, but we won't complain. We have a clear situation. We have to be ready for this game, and we'll do our best to reach the Europa League."