Benfica coach Roger Schmidt spoke to reporters this Sunday after the Orlov club won its 38th football title. “I’ve seen pictures before, but I’ve never seen anything like it,” the technician said of the celebration, which drew thousands of Benfica fans to the Marquis de Pombal in Lisbon.
“The game, the atmosphere in the stadium and the trip to Marquis de Pombal were fantastic,” he stressed.
“I think we deserve to be champions,” the tech said, emphasizing that as a team they feel responsible for “making people happy.”
“Niko was a great captain of our team,” he said of Otamendistressing that the team is a “good mix” of young and experienced players.
The coach also commented on Otamendi’s continuation at the club: “I hope Niko stays. Let’s see when we can talk about a new contract. We do our best to keep him as our captain. for him to stay.”
As for the season, the manager stressed that it was “long”, that a lot had to be changed at the club, but he was surprised by the speed with which the players adapted to his style of play.
About loss Enzo Fernandezthe technician stated that “it was a very difficult moment” and that “no replacement could be found at the time”.
Chiquinho, who ended up replacing Enzo, “was able to adapt very well, he learned very quickly.”
asked about Joao Nevesthe coach said: “He has already trained with us at the academy, it was a big surprise, he was at an excellent level, he is a great talent.”
Asked about leaving Grimaldo to Bayer Leverkusen he said: “I think the fans have forgiven him. He is a great player who had a great career at Benfica.
And the final departure Gonzalo Ramos: “I hope he stays, he’s still young and can stay for another season, maybe he can be kept, but it’s up to him.”
Question asked CMTV Regarding the statements of Sergio Conceição, Roger Schmidt stated: “I agree with the opinion, I have not seen all the games of Porto this season. I think that a team that after 34 rounds has more points, more goals scored and fewer goals conceded deserves a champion.”
Party in the family
The Benfica party was also lived by the coach with his family: “We are a football family, we grew up on football. Football has always been a part of our lives. We are very welcome in Lisbon.”
“I really like being here,” he stressed, referring to the country’s climate.
“The plan is to stay here for another three years, I’m going to try to learn Portuguese in the summer,” he assured.
next season
The coach is already pointing to batteries for next season, but for now he guarantees that he will not think about football in the coming days.
Advantage next season after winning the championship? “We have no advantage in being champions. I remain humble because I know it will be difficult,” he stressed.
Compliments to Rui Coste
“Our president is the reason I’m here,” Schmidt said, praising Rui Costa. “He was a great player, his passion for the club is great and he is always ready to listen to the players and the coaching staff,” he said.
“He gives us a lot of support and confidence and he deserves to be champion,” he added.
When asked by journalists whether he prefers beer or wine, Schmidt did not hesitate: “I like Portuguese beer, but I prefer wine.”
Author: Katarina Cruz This Thiago Branco
Source: CM Jornal
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