"We're doing a very good job"

INTERVIEW

With the pre-season underway, Benfica's has intensified its preparations with a view to 2024/25.

Rollheiser, one of the players under coach Roger Schmidt, analyzed the first few days of work. "In fact, the balance has been very good. More new players been arriving this pre-season. We're doing a very good job. With the coach, with the whole group. And yes, the balance is very positive," said the Reds' forward in an interview with club media.

This Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13, the eagles face Farense and Celta de Vigo, two friendly matches in Águeda that Rollheiser hopes to enjoy: "My expectation is to be able to enjoy the games we have coming up, both tomorrow [Friday] and Saturday. To be able to enjoy them, to be able to give that joy to the fans who can't watch, that we're doing things right. And that we want to keep adding to whatever comes our way."

The aim is to perform well at this stage. "First, we want to have a great pre-season, in physical and footballing terms. Now it's important to have a good pre-season, prepare well and go on to play the next games in the best possible way. I think that's the most important thing," he said, highlighting Roger Schmidt's role.

"He's a coach of great quality. He knows what he wants very well. He's very close to the players, and that's very important for us, that he gives us the confidence to develop on the pitch. I think we're doing very well in pre-season, and we're gaining good tools to build on for the rest of the year," said Rollheiser, adding other attributes of the German coach.

"It's very important for us. More than a coach, he's a great person, he knows us all and has been with us from the very beginning. I believe he'll continue, and that's very important to us. We already know him and we know what he's like and how he works. Now the important thing is to have a good pre-season, finish it off in the best possible way and start the year fighting for every title," he said. 

The Argentinian forward's mind is on titles, which the Reds will fight for. "We're going to fight, fight for all the championships. We know we're going to have important games throughout the year. But we'll take it step by step. First, as I said before, getting the pre-season off to a good start is the important thing.  And as time goes by, we'll gain the tools we need for the rest of the season," he said, grateful for the outpouring of affection from Benfica fans.

"I want to thank all the fans for their love and support. Please continue to support us. The team will give everything on the pitch to bring you joy," he said.