Benfica coach, Roger Schmidt, stated this Thursday that the classic against FC Porto, on the seventh day of the I Football League, will be “very difficult and demanding”, but confirmed that he has the entire squad available.
“I think we will see top-level football between two great teams that respect each other a lot. It will be very difficult and demanding, but we already have a lot of experience in these games. The atmosphere is good, the players are in good shape. In good shape and everyone “They trained today. We still have some small problems, but we are very well prepared. We will play at home against a direct rival and we can win three points against FC Porto. It is a good opportunity for us, we are prepared for an intense match,” highlighted the technical.
In a press conference prior to the match, in the auditorium of the ‘reds’ training center, in Seixal, Roger Schmidt did not talk much about the Benfica match, but praised FC Porto, which is a “difficult” rival to face. characteristics.
“FC Porto is a team that wins many games, has a strong and winning mentality. It is very disciplined, puts a lot of effort into the games and has a lot of individual quality. All teams that fight for titles must have these characteristics and they demonstrate it every time. week, even in difficult times,” highlighted the German.
The ‘dragons’ won their last two trips to the Estádio da Luz – in 2021/22 they even celebrated winning the title at the Benfica stadium -, but the past will not enter the field and much less decide the winner, considered Roger Schmidt .
“Each match has its own story. It is a new beginning and, from the first minute, we will have to be prepared, thinking about the game plan and approach. Each team will want to dominate and influence the game in a positive way. These “The players are in shape, those of FC Porto are the same. “Both are motivated and want the three points,” he highlighted.
However, a confrontation between two direct rivals in the fight for the title increases the importance of the victory, although the pressure that the ‘eagles’ feel is the same throughout the year.
“Being champion in Portugal is not easy. The ‘big’ teams do not lose many points among themselves and the games between them are important. I see it more as an opportunity than as a pressure. We always have pressure, in every game,” highlighted Roger Schmidt.
The Danish right back Bah and the Argentine winger Di María have had physical problems in recent days, but they will be able to play in the classic, as will the Czech left back Jurásek, recovered from an injury, with 45 minutes in Portimão and who is “other option”.
The champion Benfica, third classified, with 15 points, receives FC Porto, second, with 16, on Friday, at 8:15 p.m., in a classic on the seventh day of the I Football League, at the Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, with arbitration by João Pinheiro, from the Braga Football Association.
Source: TSF
