Benfica coach, Roger Schmidt, stated this Friday that he understands the discontent shown by the fans after the fourth defeat suffered this season, the third in the Champions League, but rejected that his place is at risk.
“It’s normal, our ambition is to play good football and win games. That’s also what the fans expect from us. Their support has always been fantastic, the atmosphere has always been good, but if they are not happy with the way we play , “Of course they can prove it.”stated the red coach, at a press conference, in Seixal.
Benfica was defeated in the I Liga by Boavista (3-2), in the first round, while in Group D of the Champions League they were defeated in all three games, by Salzburg (2-0), the Inter Milan (1-0) and Real Sociedad (1-0), the latter played on Tuesday, without scoring points or goals.
Before, asked if he thought his place was “at risk” due to the defeats already suffered this season, he was categorical in rejecting that scenario.
“No I dont think so”he simply responded to Schmidt, during the preview of the I Liga match against Casa Pia.
The coach acknowledged, however, that Benfica is not “at the same level as last season”, he recalled that “the situation is different” because this year there are “some injured players and others who are still adapting”, but he also highlighted the merits of the team in the I League.
“This is the worst [momento] Especially in the Champions League. I wouldn’t say that in the League, where after losing the first game we won seven games in a row. Maybe not always with the best performance, but I think we deserve every victory,” he recalled.
Even so, he acknowledged that “games after the team is not at its best level are always very important,” because they represent an opportunity to “change the atmosphere” of the team with “a good game,” which is what he wants for in front of. of the ‘geese’.
“It is also our goal for tomorrow. [sábado]. Play again against Benfica. We lost that a little on Tuesday and now it’s time to show a good reaction on the field, demonstrate it in possession of the ball, in intensity, movements, creativity and teamwork,” he noted.
Benfica receives Casa Pia on Saturday, in the ninth round of the Portuguese Football League, starting at 6 p.m., at the Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, and refereed by Cláudio Pereira, from the Aveiro association .
The team led by Roger Schmidt has seven consecutive victories in the championship and remains in second position, one point behind the leader Sporting, who only plays on Monday in Boavista.
Source: TSF
