Benfica coach Roger Schmidt assumed on Friday that returning from national team obligations always requires “special” preparation, especially for the “difficult” visit to Vizela, in the fifth round of the I Football League .
“The players returned from the national teams with a good atmosphere and in good physical condition, that is the most important thing. The preparation is always special, because some athletes arrive late and only do one training, but the last training was good. We know that it is Vizela. It is always a difficult match, a very aggressive opponent, in a small stadium and a long journey… It is a challenge for us, but if we play at our best we have our chances to win the win the match. That is our goal,” he emphasized to the German coach.
During a press conference previewing the match, in the Benfica Campus hall in Seixal, Roger Schmidt gave the example of the Argentine internationals Otamendi and Di María, who were at the service of the national team and experienced an intense week of travel.
“Our Argentinian players played in Bolivia, 3,500 meters above sea level, and then traveled 25 hours to Lisbon, to sit on the back of the bus to Vizela and play. It’s not easy. I have a lot of respect for these matches, but what I have seen in recent days is positive. We are ready to win the game, even if we know the difficulties”he said.
The German confirmed that Denmark’s Bah is fit to go for the match after suffering a minor injury while playing for his national team, but Bernat, Jurásek and Gonçalo Guedes remain unavailable, needing time and not wanting to take risks.
However, there remains doubt about who will be in goal: ‘Trubin was already ready when he arrived. Samuel was in good condition and Trubin was unmodified. He is now better than before and more integrated with the group. I’m very me’ I’m happy with the team we have and the goalkeepers. We have good competition and I have to decide.”
Last season in Vizela, Roger Schmidt was sent off, with some incidents involving local fans, who threw objects at the coach, but he emphasized that this is “part of football” and that the opponent has “enthusiastic fans”, counting on ” A good atmosphere”.
Roger Schmidt’s name has been linked with the position of Germany national team coach following the departure of Hansi Flick this week, but the coach said he is ‘hard and soft’ at Luz’s club, recalling his contract extended until 2026.
“My ambition is to stay at Benfica until 2026. That is why I have signed a new contract. I have made that decision and am fully focused on where I am. I identify with this club, I love the club, my players, the staff … I love everything here at Benfica and staying here is a clear decision,” said the coach, Portuguese champion in his first season.
Benfica, placed fourth, with nine points, visits Vizela, twelfth, with four, in a match in the fifth round of the I Portuguese Football League, on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the Municipal Stadium of Vizela, with arbitration by Luís Godinho, of the association Évora.
Source: DN
