"We have to do the same thing we did in the first game"

PREVIEW

At the launch of Benfica-Nice, the second leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, Dahl admitted that the advantage brought from the first leg (0-2) is positive, but stressed that the team will have to be at its best again to secure qualification for the play-off.

Speaking to BTV, before attending the preview press conference alongside Bruno Lage, the left-back spoke of his ambition to offer a “pleasant evening” to the fans who will be at Estádio da Luz at 8 pm on Tuesday, August 12.

"[Return to Estádio da Luz] It will be fantastic. Whenever we play at home, it's incredible when the fans cheer us on. Tomorrow [Tuesday] we need that, and we hope to give them an enjoyable evening," he said.

On a more personal level, the Swedish international revealed that he feels “very good” at the start of the season.

"I feel good, very good. And I hope to continue that way. In every game, the opponents we face vary, the strategy varies, the formation varies. We go into every game, not with a different focus, because that's about winning and playing our game, but with a different focus on the way we are included in the system. I feel good about the way we play, in my position, so I'm happy," he added.

Benfica has the advantage [winning the first leg 0-2] in this second leg. What impact will that have on tomorrow's game [Tuesday]? Do you expect Nice and Benfica to be different?

Of course, it helps to have that advantage, but it's far from over. We have to do the same thing we did in the first game and, hopefully, win. That's our goal for every game, to always finish on the winning side.

This season, you have played with Kerem [Aktürkoğlu] and Schjelderup on the left side. What are the differences between playing with one or the other?

It's a difficult question. They play in the same position, but in each game we have a slightly different system, depending on the opponent. So it depends on the game, whether we're playing defensively or offensively. Therefore, I find it difficult to say what the difference is, or if there is any difference, but I like playing with both of them.

You arrived at Benfica six months ago, but you are already a regular in the starting lineup. How would you describe your development as a player since arriving at Benfica?

When I arrived here, I was focused on doing well in training, starting from there, and getting as many minutes as possible. And that's the same plan I have now. I want to show in every game and every training session that I deserve my place. The difference is that now [Benfica] has a player who is a little more comfortable and confident to show, every day, that he can do his job.

Last season, [Álvaro] Carreras played in the position you now occupy. How do you view his departure to Real Madrid? Do you expect to start most games and win the position he left vacant?

When he was here [at Benfica], he was a top player and left his mark, a good mark. I also want to leave my mark. I am who I am, I hope to show everyone what I am capable of and, at least, do the same as he did. I always want to be the best version of myself and show that to everyone. So, I hope to leave my mark, too.

You started the season as the first choice left-back, but you are now competing for the position with a new player, Obrador. How do you see this competition for the position? Will it be tough?

Yes. When there are two players competing for the same position, it's always tough. But I think competition is good for both of us. We have to compete in every training session and show the best version of ourselves. We have to demonstrate this in every training session, every game, and at a high level, of course. There will always be this competitiveness, and we have to focus on showing that we deserve to play. I believe in myself, and I hope to be able to demonstrate that.

Compared to last season, what do you expect to be different in terms of titles or even individually?

I hope we can end the season in a different way, and everyone at the club wants a different ending. It was close, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough. We will certainly do everything in our power, and I will do everything in my power, to make things go better this season.