“We had several opportunities to decide the game early on”

POST-MATCH

On the final matchday (34) of the Liga Betclic, Benfica drew 1-all away to Rio Ave this Friday, May 17. Roger Schmidt regretted that the players' efficiency wasn't up to par with their good display and attitude. 

GAME ANALYSIS

"I'm pleased with the players' performance. Last weekend, in our last home game, we had already put in a good display, and today [Friday], in a difficult game at Rio Ave, we created a lot of chances, but only scored one goal. We had several chances to decide the game early on, but we didn't, and in a deserved penalty, born out of a handball, the opposition had a good opportunity and used that moment to score. The result is disappointing, but it is what it is. It wasn't important for our position in the table, because we already knew we couldn't get out of 2nd place. The important thing for me was that we showed attitude."

WORKING ON EFFICIENCY

"We have to analyze this season very well and use it to grow. There are some parameters where we need to improve, and there's one that's very obvious. We've created a lot of chances, but we have to be more efficient to decide games. We have 80 points after 34 games, seven fewer than last season, and we know that we could easily have had more than 80 if we had taken our chances. What we're doing is not normal and is below average. It's something we're going to work hard on during the pre-season so that we can fight for all the titles. What we're doing is not normal and is below average. It's something we're going to work hard on during the pre-season so that we can fight for all the titles."

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

"The style of play is good. We're playing very good football, we don't give our opponents many chances, and we create plenty of chances to score. That's what we have to keep doing to win titles, because to win games it's important to create more chances than the opposition. With experience and a good rhythm, we have to come out on top in difficult matches. We also have to see which players will leave and which players will arrive so that we can build a team again. Pre-season will be crucial, especially when we have to play so many games, because during the season we don't have time for tactical training. We're going to use pre-season for that, and we're going to see an attacking Benfica like this season and last. I'm looking forward to it and I believe we'll be competitive and fighting for the titles next season."