Toulouse will play against Benfica in the most important game of the season, the second leg of the playoffs for reaching the 1/8 finals of the Europa League, the coach of the French team defended this Wednesday.
“I think so [que será o jogo mais importante da época], meeting the expectations of the club, city and fans. It’s incredible to play in European competition, it’s a unique experience,” Spanish coach Carles Martinez said at a press conference, emphasizing the importance of Thursday’s meeting.
The coach wants to show Toulouse “can go further” in the tournament despite losing the first leg 2-1 last week, with two penalties from Argentina’s Angel Di Maria in the 67th and 90+8 minute with Dane Mikkel Desler. the French scored a goal in the 75th place.
“Everyone saw that in Lisbon we played better than Benfica. We also performed well against Monaco. [vitória por 2-1, no domingo, para a Liga francesa]. I’m happy with my players. We are getting better and more confident,” he said.
Carles Martinez would prefer a 1-1 draw to “missing a goal in the last minute” but expects a “different game” in Toulouse in which the team, who finished 13th in the French Championship, one point above the relegation zone, will have to “seize every opportunity “
“We’re all excited because this could be a historic night. We play in the Europa League to play games like this. We have a lot of ambitions and we are ready to make every effort,” said the 40-year-old football player. Spanish coach.
The Toulouse coach knows his side will have to score a goal against Benfica to stay in the competition, but warned that the Portuguese League One leader, tied with rivals Sporting, “will also want to score”, as some defense are advising care.
Swiss midfielder Vincent Cierro, France’s captain, also promised fans an “unforgettable night” that would require “correcting the little mistakes” made in the opening match and “always keeping a cool head.”
“We’ll look at what we did in the group stage and use these European games to put in a great performance,” the 28-year-old said, recalling that the team “did very well in Lisbon.”
Toulouse host Benfica on Thursday in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 play-off, kicking off at 17:45 (Lisbon time), officiated by Italian Maurizio Marinai.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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