Despite the defeat against RB Salzburg, the expulsion of António Silva and the disastrous performance of Trubin, Roger Schmidt was pleased with the effort and commitment of the Benfica players on his debut in the group stage of the 2023/24 Champions League.

“They were not decisive because they saw the 80 minutes until the end. We showed a great mentality. Of course it becomes difficult when you get two penalties. I also think we should have gotten a penalty, but the referee wasn’t .” on our side. We played as if we had been eleven against eleven until the end. We had great opportunities. We are sad about the result, but my players believed until the end and I am very proud of what they did. It was a great response from the team,” he said Eleven sports after the match.

Regarding the goalkeeper’s performance, he admitted that he was not feeling well, a bit like what he did with Vlachodimos, in Benfica’s defeat against Bessa, which would lead to the departure of the Greek goalkeeper and the signing of the Ukrainian. “It was not an easy match for him, but this is Benfica and he is part of it. It was not an easy match, but it also showed that he can concentrate on what is most important, which is football,” said Schmidt. out in statements to CNN Portugal.

The next match is against Inter and will be seen as a final, according to the red coach: “In the group stage, all six matches are finals.”

António Silva apologizes for the penalty

António Silva regretted the penalty taken and the associated direct red card in the 13th minute for Benfica-Salzburg. “It was incredibly fast. I had the idea that the ball wouldn’t hit the post and after it hit the post it hit my arm. It’s a moment for me to learn. I’m definitely going to leave this match, even I’m more mature and I am here to help no matter what happens. Tomorrow I can promise that I will give everything in training for Benfica and if the coach wants, also in the next matches. Everything is open, there are five more matches and We want to fight for 5 wins of course,” he said Eleven sportsthe young central defender.