Benfica's coach, Roger Schmidt, said today that he intends to carry over the “trust and belief” shown in the reception to Sporting de Braga to the visit to Portimonense, in the 32nd round of the XNUMXst Football League.
“Last weekend we showed a lot of confidence and belief in ourselves. We had a great game, in my opinion one of the best of the season. Even without having scored yet, we always remain calm. I hope that tomorrow [Saturday] too”, said the German coach, at a press conference held at Benfica Campus, in Seixal.
The 'incarnates' won, last Saturday, at Estádio da Luz, Sporting de Braga, by 1-0, in an important game for the title accounts, against a direct opponent, getting close to being crowned champion, keeping the four breakthrough points at the front.
“I expect [the game against Portimonense] the same as every away game this season, an opponent that tries everything to have a good game against Benfica. We expect a good opponent. We know that they can no longer be relegated, be champions or fight for European competitions, so they can play without any pressure. It will be a good game”, he stressed.
Benfica put “a lot of commitment” this season and, as such, the objective is “to finish at the highest level”, with only three rounds to play and with the possibility of even being champion on Sunday, if they win and FC Porto lose to Casa Pia.
“I am completely focused on the game. We know that there will be many Benfica supporters in the stadium and that they will support us in a very good way, as they do in our stadium and in many away games. Full strength tomorrow and we will try to win the game, as the rest is not up to us. We are focused on our game and we will take it game by game”, he pointed out.
The effusive celebrations of Benfica's management after the triumph against Sporting de Braga show "how much it means for Benfica to fight for the championship", said the German, who reinforced that everyone wants to be champions also for its president, Rui Costa.
“We know that, when we are doing well, Benfica fans are proud and happy. We want to make them happy and show them attacking football, which is part of Benfica's DNA, but of course they also expect trophies. It's an emotional moment for everyone, athletes, staff and of course the president. Our president is Benfica, he spends so much energy and passion for this club and we all want to become champions for him too”, he stressed.
The Danish right-back Bah "has been training with the team since the last week, but still has some small problems" that led him not to take any risks, with Roger Schmidt still having to decide on a possible use of the footballer.
Benfica, leader of the 80st Portuguese football league, with 13 points, visit Portimonense, 34th, with 18, on Saturday, starting at 00 pm, at Portimão Estádio, in a match for the 32nd round, which will feature arbitration by Artur Soares Dias, from the Porto association.
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