"Another goal achieved, credit to the players"

POST-MATCH

Having achieved the goal of reaching the Champions League group stage, following Benfica's victory over Fenerbahçe (1-0) in the second leg of the play-off, Bruno Lage gave full credit to the players, whose performance at the Estádio da Luz on Wednesday, August 27, was meritorious, in his opinion.

In the coach's opinion, “great emotional control” so that the athletes were not carried away by the "euphoria" of the fans, but by “strategy”, was important for success.

“We had to be in control of the game, and that's what we did. It was a strong performance on our part, but the most important thing is that, when we look at the game, we feel that we played very well for 90 minutes, that we won, and that we secured our place in the Champions League”, said the coach in the flash interview with Sport TV.

For the Reds' coach, the attacking and defensive second balls were “important”, although the players' interpretation of the moments of the game was even more important.

"What space are they giving us to attack? That was very important, and the players played 90 minutes with a very good game plan, understanding the moments of the game very well. It's another goal achieved, and credit to them, they were fantastic“, he added.

About Aktürkoğlu, he made it clear that “he is an excellent player, an excellent professional, and a great man”.

CREDIT TO THE PLAYERS

"[Rational side over emotional side?] This issue of the emotional side versus the rational side was more about our players realizing that they are the ones in control of the game. Realizing that there are times when the fans, driven by emotion, push us to press where we shouldn't press, or push forward when we shouldn't push forward. And the players did it. So, all credit to the players – starting with António Silva, who put in another great performance in the Champions League – because they stuck to the game plan for the full 90 minutes, and also a word for our fans, because they deserve to experience European nights, and Benfica has to be in the Champions League. So, more importantly, regardless of the performances, as I said, it was the result that mattered, and we had three very clear objectives this August: to win the Super Cup, to secure qualification for the Champions League, and now we have to win the three points against Alverca [Matchday 4 of the Liga Betclic]."

BARREIRO IN THE SPOTLIGHT IN THE NECESSARY SYSTEM

"The winner of the night was Benfica. We can play with three midfielders. The significance of having two forwards, playing with three midfielders... We played in the system we had to play in and we played with the players we had to play with. What is most important in your question, and even in the flash before the game, I asked coach Carlos Carvalhal to explain, with all his wisdom, the difference between playing with Tino [Florentino] or playing with Barreiro, so that, once and for all, people understand Barreiro's role. Barreiro is not a defensive midfielder, Barreiro is what he did today: in the 2nd/3rd minute, he is inside the area and can score a goal. So, I think he was the player who brought the team together and connected them, and he put on a great performance. I'm very happy for him because I'm very grateful for what he has offered the team throughout the time I've worked with him, whether playing as a starter or coming off the bench." 

ANTÓNIO SILVA'S GOOD MOMENT

"[António Silva's moment and his candidacy for the national team's starting eleven] António [Silva] is in his moment, and António knows very well what I think of him. I always want him to be António Silva, with these good performances, solid and consistent. That's what he has to worry about, the Club and putting in solid and consistent performances. As for the transfer market, as I say, I have to prepare the team, and we'll be working on the market until the end, and there are very competent people in charge of that."

PLAY WELL AND WIN

“Benfica always has an obligation to play well and win the game. But much more important than that is winning the game.”

AKTÜRKOĞLU "VERY HAPPY AT BENFICA"

“[Aktürkoğlu's future] My feeling is that Aktürkoğlu is very happy at Benfica. I don't know if there will be any other offers for him or for any other player. So, until the end of the transfer window, as I told you, the President and those responsible are dealing with it and have all the files in hand.” 

RATIONALITY PREVAILED

“[Was the team affected by the disallowed goals?] No, it wasn’t affected because I spent 24 hours telling them that we couldn’t let our emotions get the better of us, but rather focus on what is rational: thinking, awareness, tactics. And I think the players were always present in the game because of that.” 

WORKING TIME IS PREDOMINANT

"[Is positive defensive record related to changes in midfield?] I understand your question, I agree with it, but I will combine it with the question from your previous colleague. It's working time. Working time is very important. Having working time, we looked at what we had built, we tried our best to work with the new players, and from there, we have a working basis that supports us in being competent. But without players, and especially without players... we talk about midfield, we talk about António Silva's performance, but at that moment, we have to function as a team, and the three men up front today, under pressure, were very good."

GOAL ACHIEVED  

“[What was missing to win by a larger difference?] The objective was to advance in the competition, and we did that.”  

CONGRATULATIONS TO FENERBAHÇE  

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Fenerbahçe the best of luck and, as always, express my support for coach Mourinho’s career.”