Schmidt expects Di Maria to face ‘very disciplined’ Porto

Benfica coach Roger Schmidt said this Thursday that the classic match against Porto in the seventh round of the I Football League will be “very difficult and demanding”, but confirmed that he has the entire squad.

“I think we will see top football between two great teams who have great respect for each other. It will be very difficult and demanding, but we already have a lot of experience in these games. The atmosphere is good, the players are in good shape. uniform and everyone trained today [quinta-feira]. We still have some small problems, but we are very well prepared. We will play at home with a direct opponent and can take three points from Porto. This is a good opportunity for us, we are ready for a tense game,” the coach emphasized.

At a press conference to review the match at the Reds’ training center in Seixal, Roger Schmidt did not reveal much about the game for Benfica, but praised Porto, who are a “difficult” opponent. collide due to its characteristics.

Porto is a team that wins a lot of games and has a strong, winning mentality. They are very disciplined, put a lot of effort into games and have high individual qualities. All teams that compete for titles must have these characteristics. and they show this every week, even in difficult times,” the German emphasized.

The Dragons have won their last two trips to the Estádio da Luz – even celebrating the title at Benfica in 2021/22 – but the past will not come out onto the pitch, much less determine the winner, Roger Schmidt believed.

“Each game has its own story. This is a new beginning and we need to be prepared from the start with a game plan and approach. Every team will want to dominate and influence the game in a positive way. The players are in shape, the Porto players are the same. Both are motivated and want to win three points,” he emphasized.

However, facing off against two direct rivals for the title adds to the significance of the triumph, although the pressure the Eagles face is the same all year round.

“Being champion of Portugal is not easy. “Big” teams don’t give up many points against each other, and games between them are important. I see it as an opportunity rather than a pressure. We always have pressure, in every game.” , emphasized Roger Schmidt.

Danish right-back Bach and Argentine striker Di Maria have had physical problems in recent days but will be able to play in a classic style, as will Czech left-back Jurasek, who returned from injury with 45 minutes in Portimao and is “another option”.

Champions Benfica, third with 15 points, host Porto, second with 16, on Friday at 20:15 in the classic seventh round of the I Football League at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon with Referee João Pinheiro from the Braga Football Association.