Roger Schmidt previewed Vizela-Benfica, from the fifth round of the I Liga, scheduled for 8:30 pm on Saturday
Benfica’s coach, Roger Schmidt, assumed this Friday that returning from national team commitments always requires “special” preparation, especially on the “difficult” visit to Vizela, on the fifth round of the I League.
“The players returned from the national teams with a good atmosphere and in good physical condition, which is the most important thing. Preparation is always special, because some athletes arrive late and only do one training session, but the last training session was good. We know that Vizela is It’s always a difficult game, a very aggressive opponent, in a small stadium and a long trip… It’s a challenge for us, but when we play at our best, we have our chances to win the game. That’s our objective”, he stressed the German coach.
In a press conference to preview the match, in the Benfica Campus auditorium, in Seixal, Roger Schmidt gave the example of Argentine internationals Otamendi and Di María, who were at the service of the national team and experienced an intense week of travel.
“Our Argentine players played in Bolivia, at 3,500 meters above sea level, then traveled 25 hours to Lisbon, to sit back on a bus to Vizela and play. It’s not easy. I have a lot of respect for these games, but what I saw in the The last few days are positive. We are ready to win the game, even knowing the difficulties,” he said.
The German confirmed that the Danish Bah is fit to go to the game, after suffering a minor injury while playing for his national team, but Bernat, Jurásek and Gonçalo Guedes remain unavailable, needing time and not wanting to take risks.
However, the doubt remains about who will be in goal: “Trubin was already ready when he arrived. Samuel was in good condition and Trubin was not adapted. He is better now than before and more integrated with the group. I am very I’m happy with the squad we have and the goalkeepers. We have good competition and I have to decide.”
Last season, Roger Schmidt was sent off in Vizela, with some incidents with local fans, who threw objects at the coach, but he highlighted that this “is part of football” and that the opponent has “enthusiastic fans”, counting on “a good atmosphere “.
Roger Schmidt’s name has been associated with the role of Germany coach, following the departure of Hansi Flick this week, but the coach expressed that he is solid at the Luz club, remembering that he renewed his contract until 2026.
“My ambition is to be at Benfica until 2026. That’s why I signed a new contract. I made that decision and I’m completely focused on where I am. I identify with this club, I love the club, my players, the staff. .. I love everything here at Benfica and staying here is a clear decision”, said the coach, Portuguese champion in his first season.
Benfica, fourth placed, with nine points, visits Vizela, 12th, with four, in a match on the fifth round of the I League, on Saturday, at 8:30 pm, at the Vizela Municipal Stadium, with refereeing by Luís Godinho, from the association from Évora.
