"This working group has the ambition to win more and more"

João Mário looked ahead to the League Cup final four and, in an interview with Liga TV, was the spokesman for the ambition of a group that is only thinking of continuing the winning streak that began with the league title and the Super Cup. 

AMBITION HIGH FOR THE FINAL FOUR

"We felt we had an obligation to be in this final four, because we didn't make it last year. It's the second title we'll be playing for this season, and the team has done very well in the two games they've played so far. Benfica has won this trophy many times, but this team hasn't won it yet. It's a great goal. We're charged with today, the past is the past, and since we're playing for it, and we've had the merit of reaching this stage, we want to conquer it."

COMPETITION WITH AN INTERESTING FORMAT

"It's always different when you play in a knockout competition. You know you only get one chance. The league is a much longer competition, where there's time to make mistakes, and in this type of game you can't do that. But the team is mature enough to know that the semi-final is fundamental to playing in the final. We're going to take it very seriously, try to beat Estoril and then play in the final. It's an interesting cup. At a time when there's a lot of talk about the number of games we have, I think the format is appropriate and fair. You play two games, and then you have a semi-final and a final. It's important for us, because you can't add many more games to the ones we already have. The League Cup is perfect for that. For us, who like to compete, having the opportunity to win a title in four games is great. As far as Benfica is concerned, it's a trophy we haven't won in a while and we want to give the fans that joy too."

TOTAL RESPECT FOR ESTORIL

"Estoril is a team I've had the pleasure of seeing play. We had a very difficult away league game against them, and they've already beaten some important teams this year. So they have all our respect. They're a team that plays very well. We have to be serious and respect their individual and collective quality. I'm sure it'll be a good game, because they're a team that tries to play like us. We're ready to reach the semi-final, play a serious game and get through to the final."

MAXIMUM MOTIVATION ON ALL FRONTS

"The expectation at this club is to win all the trophies we're competing for. We started the season very well, with the Super Cup, and we still have the Europa League, the league, the Portuguese Cup and the League Cup. This trophy is important because it's going to be played in a week, we have an important first game with Estoril, a team that is doing very well and that we respect a lot, and the ambition is clear: to win it. Above all, this group has the ambition to win more and more. We've won two titles together, and we want to win the third. We feel that, with the quality of the team, it's possible to win all the titles we're playing for, starting with the League Cup. That would give us even more confidence for the rest of the season. We want to compete for everything, and we're aware that we have the quality to win all the remaining titles. We don't know if we'll be able to do it, but I'm sure this team will compete until the last second for all the trophies."

FAN SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL

"A message for the fans? Be there. Benfica is a giant. I'm sure the games in Leiria will have a lot of our fans. It makes all the difference to us, because we always feel like we're playing at home. I'm sure that, starting with Estoril on Wednesday, they'll give a very positive response. We're counting on their support, which is fundamental."