“We want to win: we owe it to ourselves and the fans”

PREVIEW

The focus on ending the season with two wins in the remaining matches was at the heart of Roger Schmidt's preview of the match between Benfica and Arouca on matchday 33 of the Liga Betclic, scheduled for 6 pm on Sunday, May 12, at Estádio da Luz. 

Arouca is currently in 7th place in the standings. What do you think of the team and its league?

I think that since Daniel Sousa took over as coach of Arouca, they've had a very good season and created difficulties for all the teams. They've won a lot of games and scored a lot of goals. They're a very good team and, for us, it's clear that we want to try to finish the season on a good level. We want to play two good games. Tomorrow [Sunday, May 12] is our last home game. We want to play good football and beat [Arouca], and in the last game, at Rio Ave, we'll also try to win the game to end this season on a good note. It's something we owe to ourselves and the fans. It was something we discussed during the week, we trained very well, and now we want to transfer that to our stadium.

Do you expect to make any changes to the team in these two games, with a view to next season? Will this be Rafa's last game at the Estádio da Luz?

Of course, as I said, we want to win the game and use the whole team in the last two games. We'll start with the best team, the best eleven. Yes, unfortunately, I have to say that it will be Rafa's last game at the Estádio da Luz. As we expected at the start of the season, this would possibly be Rafa's last season at Benfica. He confirmed it to me and the club this week. It's another reason for us to have a good game and create a good atmosphere in the stadium. He's a special player, unique, with a lot of quality. He's had some top seasons for Benfica, and even this season, when we didn't win the league, he had a top season. I really enjoyed working with him for two years, I wish him all the best for the future, for him, but also for his family. As a coach, I respect his decision because he's focused on the rest of his career. He's a great Benfica player. 

Have you had any talks with President Rui Costa about what you missed this season [2023/24]? In that conversation, if you have or haven't, are you planning to talk about your future at Benfica? Do you think you have the conditions to continue even with all the criticism from the fans?

I think I've already answered these questions several times. My situation at the moment is very clear: I'm completely focused on the last two games. We have special circumstances at the moment, where the players have to perform, of course. We've felt the negative feelings from the fans, but for me, at the moment, it's not time to think too much about it. I think that, after the two games, we have a lot of time to think about it. Under these circumstances it's very difficult to achieve Benfica's goals, that's very clear. If we always have to play in this atmosphere, as a team, for the players to perform at their best, it's very difficult to win games and be strong enough in the league and other competitions. At the moment, my focus is on the last two games, on preparing the team in the best possible way, and then we'll think about everything. Then we'll see.

How do you expect to be received this Sunday at the Estádio da Luz? Do you still believe that, as far as the fans are concerned, you have the conditions to remain in charge?

I think I've said enough on this subject.

You've already talked about planning for next season and the possible consequences. Bearing in mind that the 2023/24 season fell short of the fans' expectations, can we expect a revolution in the team with many arrivals and departures?

I think... Of course we always have to analyze the season and then prepare for the new season. The most important thing is always to build the best squad possible, and that's our task, to meet the requirements necessary to fight for our goals. Last season [2022/23], we had the situation where we lost Grimaldo, Gonçalo Ramos and Enzo Fernández, players who were always in the starting line-up, and we had to make changes. That was the task for this season [2023/24], and it will be the same for next season. We have to analyze our team, find a good balance, analyze the players and find the right signings for next season. To look for players who can help us with certain aspects of our game, which we've discussed several times. I think there is still potential to develop, improvements that we have to make, and when we think about that we also have to think about players who can solve these problems. It's not the only thing, but it's a requirement. We have to work and use pre-season to prepare ourselves and be ready to start a new season.