‘Title will be tougher’ if Eagles lose in Alvalade

Roger Schmidt admitted this Friday that defeat to Sporting this Saturday in the league will leave Benfica with a very difficult title tie with six rounds to go. “If Sporting win, it will be more difficult for us to become champions. A draw doesn’t make it any easier either; if we win, then of course it’s a different situation,” the German said in a preview of Saturday’s game at Arsenal Stadium. Jose Alvalade Stadium.

The coach sees the meeting with the championship leader as an opportunity: “Their situation is a little better. We always have pressure. We have pressure in every game, and it’s the same for tomorrow.” [este  sábado]. We need to win, it’s not just pressure, it’s a great opportunity. We need to see this as an opportunity rather than a pressure situation.”

Playing in the Portuguese Cup is still relevant and Schmidt remembers playing well despite the 2-2 draw and subsequent elimination in the semi-finals. “We have recovered well since Tuesday. We played a very good game and improved some tactical aspects. We need to improve efficiency, we could have won. I think we deserved to win. This is football. It’s better if you get three points. By creating chances like on Tuesday, we now have to take advantage of them,” stressed the coach, who wants to avoid talking about the refereeing when the game ends in Alvalade: “It has always been my goal not to talk about the referees, but to ensure a fair game. I hope we make good decisions for both teams. We are not happy with the referee’s performance in the Cup. I think everyone could understand this if it were someone else. But on the contrary, Sporting also complained. This is fine. There is always pressure on the judges, they are professionals too.”