Roger Schmidt: "It was a well-deserved victory, and I'm very happy"

POST-MATCH

Roger Schmidt praised Benfica's performance – particularly in the second half - in their 0-3 win over Arouca on matchday 16 of the Liga Betclic, played this Saturday, January 6, at the Estádio Municipal de Arouca. 

SPECIAL MOTIVATION

"There are many good reasons to win the game and put in a good display, because we want to win the league, but if you have the name of this incredible player [Eusébio] on the back of your jerseys, of course it's extra motivation for the players."

SATISFACTION WITH A FAIR VICTORY

"Arouca are playing very well, they're very compact. Of course, sometimes they take risks with the space behind their defensive line, but it's not easy to hit that ground. I think we sensed the right moments to attack these spaces, and we were able to score three very good goals. We had to defend some dangerous moments, but in the end it was a deserved victory, and I'm very happy that we managed to win this kind of game, because it's not easy."

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SECOND HALF

"For me, it was especially important how we started the second half. We decided the game early, with a lot of sharpness and tension after the break. In the first half, I felt we lacked a bit of energy in terms of tactical discipline. We also had good moments in the first half, also two goals that were very close to being in play that Rafa scored, but overall we lacked timing and effort with the ball, asking for the ball, having combinations, having a lot of players involved in possession, finding the right moment to attack the space behind the defensive line. The same without the ball, in pressing, in midfield pressing, in support at the back, I don't think we played at our best level. We talked about it, we can do better, do things together and support the defensive line and the central midfielders more. In the second half, we controlled and dominated the game, scoring two more goals. We were also able to win more balls in the opposition half and, from there, we created a lot of good chances and scored. Overall, there was more unity and sharpness with and without the ball." 

KÖKCÜ HIGHER UP THE PITCH

"For today [January 6], it was a good decision to have Orkun [Kökcü] there, João Mário could have some rest. We have a lot of games now, on Wednesday [January 10] again, and then I'll make my decision, also during the game, depending on how I feel about the freshness of the players. When they're a bit tired, it's good to take them off in the last 10/20 minutes, there's a big difference if you play 70 or 90/95 minutes. For me, it's clear that Orkun [Kökcü] can play in this position and is always an option."

BEST MOMENT OF THE SEASON

"I hope the best moment will come in a few weeks or months, but I understand your question. We had some difficulties in the middle of the season, especially in the Champions League, but we've had several very good games this season. In recent weeks, we've played reliably at a high level. We're able to score goals, create a lot of chances, and it's obvious that we're also very good defensively. In recent weeks, we've had a lot of games without conceding, that's always a good sign for a team. We're halfway through the season, so maybe this is the best moment, but that's not important. We have to focus on Wednesday [January 10], a different competition [Portuguese Cup], against SC Braga, at home, a very good opponent, and we have to be ready again."

40 WINS FOR ROGER SCHMIDT IN 50 LEAGUE GAMES

"[The record] shows that the players did very well. Winning away games in the Portuguese league is always a challenge, as we saw today [January 6], so we're happy to have won a lot of games, but we have to keep going."