Benfica coach Roger Schmidt said on Friday he understands the fans’ dissatisfaction after their fourth defeat this season, third in the Champions League, but rejected the idea that their place is in jeopardy.
“It’s normal, our ambition is to play good football and win games. The fans expect that from us too. Their support has always been fantastic, the atmosphere has always been good, but if they are not happy with the way on which we play, “Of course they can demonstrate it,” the red coach said at a press conference in Seixal.
Benfica were defeated in the I Liga in the first round by Boavista (3-2), while in Group D of the Champions League they were defeated in all three matches by Salzburg (2-0), Inter Milan (1-0) . ) and Real Sociedad (1-0), the latter played without points or goals on Tuesday.
When previously asked if he thought his place was “in jeopardy” due to the defeats he had already suffered this season, he categorically rejected the scenario.
“No, I don’t think so,” Schmidt simply replied during the preview of the I Liga match against Casa Pia.
However, the coach acknowledged that Benfica is not “at the same level as last season”, he recalled that “the situation is different”, because this year “some players are injured and others are still adapting”, but also pointed out on the team’s merits in the I League.
“It’s the worst moment, especially in the Champions League. I wouldn’t say it in the League, where after losing the first match we won seven games in a row. Maybe not always with the best performance, but I think we deserved everything.” the victories,” he recalled.
Still, he acknowledged that “matches after the team is not at its best level are always very important”, because they represent an opportunity to “change the atmosphere around the team with “a good match”, which he wants moving forward from geese.
“It is also our goal for tomorrow [sábado]. Benfica playing again. We lost that a little on Tuesday and now it is time to show a good reaction on the pitch, to show it in possession, in intensity, movements, creativity and teamwork,” he emphasized.
Benfica will host Casa Pia on Saturday in the 9th round of the I League, starting at 6 p.m., at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, led by Cláudio Pereira, of the Aveiro association.
The team led by Roger Schmidt has recorded seven consecutive victories in the championship and remains in second place, one point behind leader Sporting, who only play at Boavista on Monday.
Source: DN
