Roger Schmidt assures that Benfica are fully focused on playing in the Portuguese Cup

Benfica coach Roger Schmidt assured this Monday that the Reds are fully focused on the Portuguese Cup semi-final against Sporting, but admitted that the league games are becoming “increasingly decisive”.

At a press conference in Seixal, the coach explained that there are “only seven games left” in the first league, but stressed that it is “important” to remain focused “on every game” because otherwise “it is impossible to play this game.” calendar”.

“We are completely focused on the Portuguese Cup. We are very motivated to win this game and then we will start focusing again on the championship and the game against Sporting on Saturday. This is our plan and the best approach to each game,” the player commented. German.

Earlier, when asked about the differences between the first leg of the semi-final, which Sporting won 2-1 in Alvalade, Schmidt pointed to the home factor and the fact that the second leg is decisive for qualification.

“Everything is very clear. We are one goal behind and we have 90 minutes to play good football and change the situation. This is what we need to do and we are very motivated to reach the Cup final,” he assured .

In a press conference that lasted less than five minutes and was attended by just three journalists due to traffic congestion, Schmidt also declined to reveal Tuesday’s starting line-up.

The Reds coach also did not specify which striker he would use initially, stressing that Benfica needed “a very complete game overall” to progress.

“We need a striker to start, but I expect a game where we will also have to rely on substitutions, depending on the story of the game we need good players on the bench. Let’s see who will start tomorrow.” [terça-feira]. For me, the most important thing is that we need a good collective performance,” he concluded.

On Tuesday, Benfica will host Sporting in the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-final, which kicks off at 20:45 at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon and will be officiated by Joao Pinheiro of the Braga association.

In the first leg, played on 29 February at the Estadio José Alvalade, Sporting won 2-1 thanks to goals from Pedro Gonçalves and Victor Gyokeres, with Fredrik Orsnes reducing the Reds’ lead.

To reach the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup, the team coached by Roger Schmidt defeated Lusitania dos Azores (4–1, away), Famalican (2–0, home), Sporting Braga (3–2, home) and “Viesela”. (2-1, away).

Sporting, led by Ruben Amorim, knocked out Olivais e Moscavide (3-1, away), Dumiense (8-0, home), Tondela (4-0, away) and União de Leiria. (3-0, away).