"I'm focused on Benfica and even more on the next match"

PREVIEW

João Neves the spokesman for a team focused on its objectives, previewed the match between Benfica and Toulouse in the first leg of the Europa League play-off. Kick-off at the Estádio da Luz is scheduled for 8 pm.

What do you think of this opponent, who has had some interesting results in Europe but is not doing so well in the French league [14th place]? How do you see Benfica returning to European competition?

We're focused on ourselves and what we can do in the game. We know that our opponents, Toulouse, have quality, so we'll try to break them down and take advantage of their weaknesses. Although they're not doing very well in the French league, we know they're a competent opponent. They're different competitions, international, you never know. We'll give our very best.

It was on December 30, 2022, that he made his official debut in the Benfica first team jersey [he had played for the first team in a friendly against Sevilla on December 7]. How has this little over a year in the first team been?

It's been a very good year. Obviously, it's all come very quickly, but I've adapted in the best way. I've been lucky to have teammates who have helped me grow as a player and as a person. It's only been a year, but I've already achieved a lot and done something for football. It doesn't stop there, I want to do much more.

You've been one of the key players for Roger Schmidt, but you've attracted a lot of interest from big names in Europe. Can you promise Benfica fans that you'll stay at the club, or are you keeping your future open?

I promise to give my all in every training session, and in every game, and I think that's one of my greatest qualities. I'm focused on Benfica and even more on tomorrow's match Thursday, February 15], which is the next one. I intend to give my all in every game and every training session.

Paulo Bento compared you to João Moutinho. How does that sound?

I'm happy, he's a player I respect both on and off the pitch. He's a fantastic player and a national reference for me.