The competition is different, but the defeat that Benfica suffered from Dragao in the championship will always be remembered. Roger Schmidt insisted the team must beat Glasgow Rangers to put defeat to Porto behind them: “Apologizing is not enough, we have to react.”
The German said he “feels sorry” for the fans but believes the team will turn things around. “We are not satisfied with what we have shown this season, but we need to look at what we still have to play for. We have already won a lot of games and will continue to fight for all the titles,” the coach emphasized in the preview of this Thursday’s game (20:00) with the Scots, counting the first leg of the 1/8 finals of the Europa League. .
“When I extended my contract with Benfica, I didn’t expect to win all the titles in the next three years. I know that winning titles is very difficult, but we have already shown that we are capable of it, we have already won, but we are not satisfied with just the Super Cup. I understand the disappointment and frustration caused by the resurrection, but as a coach I have to think differently, I can’t be emotional, I have to keep a clear view of reality,” stressed the coach, who expects a difficult Rangers: “They are a good team. They play very straight forward, with a lot of transitions, and use depth. They are very strong on the ball and have great intensity. We have to show that we are committed and playing at home, we need intensity and confidence and the ability to take advantage of home advantage. It’s going to be a tough game and we want to respond.”
Roger Schmidt admits that he made changes to the eleven, especially since he was not at all happy with the way the team conceded goals in the last two matches.
Bach lateral without restrictions
Alexander Bach was at Benfica training in Seixal this Wednesday and can be bet on this Thursday against Rangers. The Dane was injured at half-time in the Portuguese Cup derby against Sporting (2-1 defeat) and was unable to participate in the classic match against Porto (5-0 defeat).
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Trust
“I believe we can make history. I hope for a great performance. We are very motivated to win,” said Philippe Clément, Rangers coach.
Scottish alert
Glasgow Rangers have urged fans traveling to Luz to report any excessive search efforts to authorities.
fine for stabbing
The FPF Disciplinary Council fined Benfica €7,010 for the stabbing of a fan at Estádio da Luz (21/12/23) in a game with ABC (League Cup).
“Losing 5-0 is always very difficult to accept”
“Losing with a score of 0:5 is always very difficult to accept. We are unhappy, we haven’t conceded many goals this season, five goals is a lot. It was difficult, but we have to look forward,” Fredrik Orsnes said yesterday during the preview of the game against Rangers.
There was a classic on the table in Dragao, and the Norwegian regretted the heavy defeat: “We are not happy with the game, the way it went, we are very disappointed. Should we apologize or not? Of course, we can apologize for the speech, we are not happy with it, we are very disappointed and it really hurt us. But we have to look forward, be together and be ready for the next game, that’s what we can do. We need to do better than last game, that’s the only thing we can do.”
The versatile Norway international reminds that the team is still fighting on “three fronts”, but admits that they need to defend better in the next games: “We need to improve and learn.”
Arthur Cabral appointed at eleven
Roger Schmidt admitted that he changed eleven members from what was presented on Dragao. Tengstedt was the original bid but remained empty. The Reds manager could therefore hand the starting role back to Brazilian Arthur Cabral (the last game he started was a 2-1 home win over Toulouse, also in the Europa League, on February 15).
Florentino Luis is also a strong candidate to bolster the midfield against Rangers. Turkish Kokcu should be sacrificed and sent to the bench.
