Coach Roger Schmidt made it clear this Monday that Benfica is not afraid of Inter Milan, its opponents in the second round of the Champions League, and believes that the Portuguese champion is playing enough football to win in Italy.
Despite the Champions’ bitter debut in Group D, with a home defeat to Austrian side Salzburg (2-0), the Eagles come to Milan motivated by their victory over Porto (1-0) in the league, but on Tuesday they will meet with the finalists who were defeated in the last tournament and eliminated the “Reds” in the quarterfinals.
“We are not afraid of Inter, we always respect our opponents. Never be afraid. Inter is where they ended last season. They were very close to winning the Champions, they are at the top of the championship, they have not lost key players and they have the same coach,” began the words of the Reds coach at a press conference dedicated to the game on Tuesday.
Benfica, who are still looking for their first win over the Nerazzurri after recording two draws and three defeats in five matches played, will need to show their “best” side to get the better of Inter in the sixth meeting between the two sides in European competition. football and be ready for anything,” Schmidt said.
“We play successful football and, of course, we can beat Inter. In the Champions League last season it was also very difficult here and in the end it all ended in a three-goal draw. We have a lot of faith in ourselves and we are ready,” he said.
Although he admits that the scenario for reaching the last 16 of the tournament is now more difficult, given the defeat in Luz to the Austrians, Schmidt is only focused on adding points against the Serie A leaders.
“There are only six games to change the situation and the situation is more difficult, but tomorrow it will not be decisive. [terça-feira]. All games in the group stage are decisive and the next opportunity is here. [em Itália]. Yes, it is difficult and it would be great to win. A point could be good,” he concluded.
In turn, Argentinean Angel Di Maria announced the match with the Nerazzurri, warning of the difficulties of playing at San Siro, where the Reds would not be able to count on the support of the fans due to the punishment applied by the fans. UEFA.
“It will be a very difficult game against high quality players. The atmosphere here in Milan helps Inter a lot and we have to be 100% to achieve a good result,” he said.
He then spoke about the excellent form he is enjoying (six goals and one assist) during his second spell at the Lisbon club.
“You can’t always be decisive, but I’m very happy to help the club and do important things. I’m very glad to be back, I feel at home, I’m having a good moment and that’s important to me.” help the team and Benfica win titles,” he concluded.
On Tuesday, Benfica and Inter Milan will meet at the San Siro Stadium in Italy from 20:00 in a second round match of Group D, led by Dutchman Danny Makkelie.
João Victor punished for lack of commitment
Brazilian Joao Victor was ruled out of the trip to Milan by Roger Schmidt due to a lack of interest in training. “I prefer not to comment today [na segunda-feira]”, the coach answered a question on this topic.
Previously, João Victor had already responded to the punishment on social networks. First, he posted a photo with his wife and children with the caption “What really matters.” He later shared several videos of his gym workouts.
Di Maria admitted that he is old
Benfica is my home in Europe, this is where I came and where I truly became a player. I had the chance to play with Ruy Costa, which means I’m old… [risos] I played with him and now I have him as president,” Di Maria told the UEFA website.
At the press conference, the Argentine praised Inter: “We have to be 100% ready, otherwise we will have problems.” The partnership with Neres was not forgotten: “It is very fast and explosive.”
Neres among Brazil’s elected officials
David Neres was called up by coach Fernando Diniz for Brazil’s games with Venezuela and Uruguay in the qualifying stage of the World Cup. The Eagles winger has been called in to replace Raphinha, who was injured in Barcelona’s last game.
“Great team”
Benfica is a great team. Nobody expected them to lose to Salzburg,” said Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi.
Schmidt
“Schmidt made me grow a lot when we were together. [no Bayer Leverkusen]. He wrote to me before the defeat in the Champions League final in Istanbul to wish me luck,” said Calhanoglu (Inter).
Author: Lusa This Filipe Antonio Ferreira
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.