"I'm very pleased with the players' performance"

POST-MATCH

In their return to Liga Betclic matches, after the international break, Benfica beat Chaves by 1-0, in the game from matchday 27, which takes place at Estádio da Luz, on Friday, March 29. 

AN "IMPORTANT" VICTORY IN A "SPECIAL GAME"

"Every win is important. It was a special match, and we played at the top of our game in the first 80 meters, with pressure. Our line of four defenders and the midfield players also played a great game. Unfortunately, in the last 20 meters, we failed a bit in terms of efficiency, and in the last decision, to create more clear chances. Even so, we had many clear chances, missed three penalties and were able to win the match without conceding, which is a very good sign. It was 0-0 for a long time, but we dominated the game from the first minute to the last. We usually win these games outright, but today was special. I'm very pleased with the players' performance and overall attitude. It was an important win for us, and it's one less game."

DEFENSIVE COHESION PRAISED

"It's the final stretch of the season starting. We haven't conceded again, and in the last three games we've won 1-0, which is a sign of quality. If we can win by one goal, we have to defend very well. It's clear that we have to be more efficient in the coming weeks, but I think it's clear that we've shown that we can score more goals with fewer chances."

POSITIVE OVERALL PERFORMANCE

"I don't just look at the result. When you analyze the game, maybe you look at the result and the three missed penalties, but for me, it's more important how the players behave and how they perform in terms of concentration and tactical discipline, how we defend in our line of four, and how our central midfielders integrate into the game, as well as our pressing in general. I saw very positive things, but in the last 20 meters we have to be better. Our finishing has to be better, and our positioning in the box can be improved, given the timing. Perhaps the shape of the attacking players could improve a little, as we've seen all of them at a better level. The most important thing is that we won, and the team showed a good attitude, given the very difficult history of the game. By missing three penalties and clear goal scoring opportunities, we can't allow our opponents any chances to influence the game. So I'm positive about the next few weeks. After the international break, there are sometimes games like this, and it's important to win."

ATHLETES' EXPERIENCE IN DECISION-MAKING

"[Laughs] Of course, the fact that penalties are missed is my responsibility. All the bad things are my responsibility. We always talk about who scores the penalties during the game. Ángel [Di María] and Arthur [Cabral] were the scorers for this game. Ángel [Di María] missed the first penalty, he won the free-kick that led to the second penalty. He gave it to Arthur and everything's fine. [Arthur] missed and decided to score the third. It was his decision and I respect it. From the outside, I can't influence everything, they're players with enough experience and I respect their decisions in these moments."

KÖKCÜ'S FOCUS AND COMMITMENT HIGHLIGHTED

"There was some whistling, but there was also applause. It's something we could expect, and we've already talked about the interview. The only thing that matters is Benfica. If someone is creating noise around the team, of course the fans aren't happy, and we understand that. What I've seen on the pitch is that [Kökcü] is completely focused, committed and trying to do his best for the team. Now we have to take some steps to get him back to his top level again and show the fans that he's committed to Benfica and his teammates. I think that's clear. As I've said many times, he's a very important player, a very good person, and I'm convinced that he's going to play many fantastic games for Benfica."