Benfica Chaves Roger Schmidt League Preview

PREVIEW

O Benfica returns to the competition, after a break for the commitments of the national teams, with the reception to Chaves, at 6pm this Friday, March 29th, at Estádio da Luz, in a game of the 27th round of the Betclic League.

At preview press conferencewhich took place at Benfica Campus, Roger Schmidt highlighted that the team is in “good shape” to face Chavesan opponent who, at risk of relegation, has nothing to lose.

At the start of the decisive phase of the season, the coach remembered and praised that the Reds are still fighting for three trophies (Liga Betclic, Taça de Portugal and Europa League) and it was imperative. “It’s up to us to use this opportunity and this moment to accelerate our top level in everything“, highlighted Roger Schmidt, distinguished with the Coach Award at the ceremony that marked the Club’s 120 years.

What was it like preparing for this game with Chaves without the players who played for the national teams?

It was a typical break for the national teams, some players were with their teams, and I think it was a good opportunity for us to rest a little and then get back to training. We did it very well and we are happy to play again. Playing at home after the international break is always a good start. The national team players all returned in good shape, a little tired, but without injuries. I’m happy with that, it’s always what I fear most, that they will have injuries. We are in good shape, the first game is always demanding, but we are ready to play it. The decisive phase of the season is beginning, and everything we did in the last eight or nine months of this season was to be prepared for these weeks. We have six or seven weeks to play, we are still in three competitions and it is, indeed, a special season. When at the end of March you can still win three trophies, it’s a very good season. It’s up to us to use this opportunity and this moment to accelerate to our top level in everything. So, everything is possible. We have this expectation. For tomorrow [sexta-feira, 29 de março], with Chaves, we know that it is always difficult to play against this team. They are in danger of relegation, they have nothing to lose at our stadium. It’s a good team, it has a good coach and we have to solve this task.

With what feelings did you leave the Club’s 120th anniversary ceremony?

On Tuesday [26 de março], the Gala was spectacular. It always gives us the feeling of how big the Club is, the love and passion there is. I always appreciate seeing this and how Benfica treats its history, former players and everything. It’s always special and I’m so happy to be a part of it. We want to take the opportunity to make everyone around Benfica and at Benfica happy.

Do you consider the possibility of Otamendi and Di María being rested in this game with Chaves, before the two matches with Sporting? Is Bah fit?

Of course they could rest. The question is: “Would it be good for them to rest?” Both players like to play consistently and with rhythm. Sometimes they need a rest, as I have given Ángel a few times [Di María], when he played many games in a row and we had big games ahead. Sometimes it’s smart to keep them out, but they are both key players for us and have been performing at a top level all season. I always have to make a decision about what is best for us and the players. Are they ready to play at this pace? They have shown it in the last 15 years. Are you ready after the national team games to return to the Club and play again? They have also shown it in the last 15 years. I have no doubt they are ready for tomorrow [sexta-feira], to play. Alex Bah is fine, we still have small problems with load management, he had a problem and we want to be careful so he doesn’t have it again. He’s fine at the moment, it was good not to play for the national team, he was back training and we tried to give him rest at the right time. He’s ready to play.

Di María has been going through a turbulent time for days, with death threats made to him and his family. Is the player 100% physically and mentally ready for this game and the rest of the season?

What happened to him and his family shows how crazy the world is. It is a disaster and a catastrophe for something like this to happen. It is clear that receiving these types of messages affects the player and the human being. We try to support it as best we can. He is professional and experienced enough to deal with this type of situation, but it is completely difficult and also rare to have this type of situation, especially around family. It’s the worst thing that could happen, but we talked about it. He tries to live a normal life. Of course, when something like this happens, there are some thoughts in his head, so we will try to support him as best we can.

In the last game of the Championship, he said that a player who does what Kökcü did cannot be with the team. Now, have you spoken to him? Can we expect him to be in the team in this game against Chaves?

As I said at the time of the challenge with Casa Pia [26.ª jornada], my concern was to focus on the game. With this interview, it was best to leave him out. He came back today [quinta-feira], we talked about it, and actually, it was exactly what I expected. It was not his intention to create this noise and negativity around our team. I already said before and after the game against Casa Pia that I am completely convinced of him as a player, in terms of quality, and also with his character. You made a mistake, this interview wasn’t good for anyone. For us, for him and for Benfica, it wasn’t good, that’s very clear. Now we have to deal with this. Even when players make mistakes, they are still my players, and sometimes I have to support them in difficult times. That’s what we have to do, we talked about it and now it’s time to talk about it on the field. It’s time for all of us, not just him, to show a very good mentality and performance in the field. Everything that is not good for us, that can take our focus a little, has to be left out. We have resolved this situation internally and it is time to look forward. Will be back with the team tomorrow [sexta-feira].

Kökcü was in the Turkish national team. Do you feel that his role in the national team is different from what he has at Benfica?

I think I’ve said everything about Orkun [Kökcü]. National teams and clubs are always different. They are different players, different tactical approaches. I’m not thinking much about the selection. National team coaches have their ideas, their objectives and they have to use the players as they see fit. I’m focused on what happens here, in our team, not just with Orkun [Kökcü], but in general. Players who go to the national teams like to go because it is a great honor for everyone. The national teams are preparing for the summer competitions… They are two different things, and I am completely focused on the Club.

Regarding Juan Bernat, who was seen in training, will he be recovered by the end of the season to make his contribution?

All of us, and he himself, expected a different season. He is a very experienced player. Unfortunately, he came in with a small injury, but he recovered and played a few minutes for us in five or six games. Not full games, but a few minutes. Since the end of October he has been injured for five months. I think this is not the time to think too much about next season, we have to think about this one. He is working hard to return to the field. He returned to training with the team this week, the first time in five months, he’s back and we hope he stabilizes with the load, the football load, and, of course, has an impact over the last six or seven weeks. At the moment, this is his situation. He’s on a good path and we hope he has a good impact at the end of the season.