This Monday, April 1st, Roger Schmidt held the press conference to preview the derby with Sporting. The Benfica coach was asked about the starting striker to face Rúben Amorim’s team. The German coach spoke about the subject, but ended up ‘closing himself in words’, leaving only the hint that “speed” will be needed.
“I’m not going to reveal the starting eleven, much less about the strikers, what we need is a very good overall performance. We have several options, but of course we need speed and creativity, with important physical power. We have to demonstrate that we have a variety of options to attack in the final third”, the coach began by mentioning, leaving the tip.
“All strikers have their own profile, but we hope that everyone can perform similarly from a tactical point of view. We need the individual quality of the players and this is something that everyone has already demonstrated. I expect a game where we will also need to depend on of the substitutes. We have to be at the highest level”, concluded the German helmsman.
Regarding Benfica’s clinical report, Tiago Gouveia’s situation is unknown, as the winger will still be able to play (find out more HERE). At Sporting, Rúben Amorim has two certain absences, with Pedro Gonçalves (Pote) and Antonio Adán injured. However, not everything is bad for the lions, as Rúben Amorim ‘recovered’ a footballer who left the game with Estrela da Amadora badly treated.
Remember that Roger Schmidt’s team will take the field on April 2nd, Tuesday, to face Sporting, in the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-final. It should be remembered that Benfica’s rival has a 2-1 advantage, achieved in the green and whites’ stronghold. The kick-off of the Derby is scheduled for 8:45 pm, at Estádio da Luz, with a referee already assigned (see more HERE).
The meetings with the lions, however, do not end there, as when Benfica turns its attention to the National Championship, it will have to face Rúben Amorim’s team again. The duel on the 28th round will be played in Alvalade, on April 6th, at 8:30 pm and is expected to be decisive for the outcome of the final accounts of the 2023/2024 National Championship.
