Schmidt wants to turn the page at Portimao after Champions League defeat

Benfica coach Roger Schmidt admitted this Saturday that he expects difficulties in Sunday’s trip to Portimao, but wants to take three points in the sixth round of the I Football League.

Despite a negative result in the debut of the Champions League group stage [0-2 com o Salzburgo]Schmidt believes in the team and intends to continue the Reds’ winning I League campaign in Portimao.

“We were disappointed with the result, but not with the team’s performance in the Champions League match. We performed well, despite the mistakes in goals that the opponent took advantage of. Our goal now is to beat Portimonense. It is not simple. play there, they are in better shape and won last week, but we are ready to win three points,” the German coach emphasized at a press conference to review the match at the Benfica Campus hall in Seixal.

According to Roger Schmidt, Antonio Silva has already recovered from the mistake that led to the young centre-back being sent off against the Austrians.

“He was disappointed, he is a very emotional player because he loves the club and the team and it is normal for him to be upset. He feels a little responsible for what happened. He must move on and continue his growth process.” “, – he said.

Ukrainian goalkeeper Trubin also had a difficult time on his debut for Benfica in the Champions League, but Schmidt is de-dramatic and maintains confidence in the young goalkeeper.

“At Benfica there is pressure on all of us because the pressure to win is very high. We have to play, we have to prove ourselves, so I’m not afraid of him. He is a talented young goalkeeper and has experience playing at international level. Shakhtar and the Ukrainian national team. It would have been easier for him if he had arrived in pre-season. He needs to maintain his growth process, but I believe he has a strong mentality and will definitely overcome difficulties,” he said.

Brazilian striker Arthur Cabral, signed from Fiorentina, was Schmidt’s first choice but was little used after the international break, but the German coach claims he chose the best for each game.

“He has had some opportunities to prove himself and adapt to his colleagues and the team, but I have to make decisions based on the fitness and performance of the players. We have three strikers. Petar Musa did very well in the Super Cup, he received a red card against Boavista, but since he arrived at Benfica he has developed a lot, so I decided to bet on him,” he explained.

According to Schmidt, “at this moment Petar [Musa] “He’s doing well, he played really well on Wednesday.”

“It’s not easy to play in our tactical system, so we have to give Arthur time to adapt. He’ll probably score a lot of goals for Benfica,” he admitted.

When asked about David Neres and the lack of a winger in the team, Schmidt said that he always strives to “give more balance” to the team.

“Obviously Rafa and Di Maria did very well, not only scoring and assisting, but also pressing when we don’t have the ball. We try to make the best decisions for the team, the players have to be patient, that’s why this is the current situation,” he said.

Alexander Bach performed at an excellent level last season, but at the start of the season he showed less physical fitness. However, Schmidt is pleased with the performance of the Danish right-back.

“I think he’s in good shape. He made a mistake for the first goal against Salzburg, but he made an effort to add depth to the lineout,” he said.

Benfica, in fourth place with 12 points, will travel to Portimonense, 13th with five, in the match of the sixth round of the I Portuguese Football League, which will take place on Sunday, at 18:00, at the Portimão Municipal Stadium, refereeed by Hélder Malheiro from Lisbon Football Association.