About the match
We played much better, moving the ball, finding decisions, creating a depth, turning the game several times and dominant. In the second half, the match was actually resolved, and of course, I liked much more, – he said.
I told them that as players of a large club, they should enjoy pressure, enjoy responsibility. At first, I failed to fully convey this message, but in the second half, I got a high level of confidence, could play and close the game. The 3-0 match was completed. Today it was necessary to win, ”he emphasized.
That has changed
The last thing I want is to analyze myself in front of you that we have changed. But if you look pragmatically: in the past game we played a draw and lost two points, and today we had to win – and we did it. From a mental point of view, which was also reflected in the game, I saw men playing football. In the first half, the team very much wanted to win, there were already moments I liked, but at the same time it was a nervous team that often lost the ball and took time to stabilize. They scored, and in the second half, I only had to “release the guys”, to say that we should go out and close the match, play with the victorious installation, not allow “Avesh” to return to the game. And they accepted this confidence. Then in the second half the quality and level of confidence were very high. The team played really well. Even after 2-0, I told them: if the opponent is in a difficult moment, we have to use it, not allow them to recover. So it turned out: 2: 0, 3-0 – the game is over. The most important thing is 3 points. And now we have two days, not to work a lot, but to recover, tweak a few details and prepare for another difficult match.
About return in Benfik
I didn’t think too much about it. I said I did not come to celebrate my career. But even to the stadium you feel what it means to be a fan of “Benfika”, and when you come – even more. And I admit that after the match I thought: 25 years flew, but they did not change my nature, my passion, my manner to live. They did not change absolutely nothing.
About faith in a team
Yes. But all the coaches are different, everyone thinks in their own way. I had little time, so I wanted to give stability primarily to those who played constantly. At the same time there were things that I really liked, because I analyzed Benfik well. He played twice against her in a short time, watched many matches, analyzed her own games against her. So some moments I didn’t touch at all. For example, standard in protection. I didn’t have time to train, so I decided to trust what was done well earlier. Yesterday we worked for an hour and a half, and I am grateful to players for professionalism, for passion for the club and how they accepted me. If we lost, it would be a catastrophe in terms of points. Victory is not something phenomenal, but it is the best we could do. After a severe psychological defeat, it was necessary to win. But, as I said after the game: good but nothing extraordinary. So hurry up, tomorrow morning workout.
About the Champions League
I always thought I would be back to Portugal, but thought it would be a national team. But it turned out before, and I could not accept that offer. I believed it would happen one day. But it happened differently – Benfica, a giant club. And I said it even when I played Benfika with Fenerbachce: it is really a giant. I belong to all three tournaments: the Champions League, the Europa League and the League of Conferences. But it’s good to come here. Although you need to postpone emotions. We lost three points in a game where they had no right to lose them [проти «Карабаха»]now you have to compensate elsewhere. I don’t care that they write: good or bad. I am like that, and this makes it easier for journalists.
About different halves with AVS
These are more recovery days, but ideas can also be added at low intensity. We pressed a little differently, arranged with the ball a little differently. In the first half they hurried, too sharply changed the flanks, searched for depth. And in the second they played better positionally. And as I said: happy football players play better than those who under pressure and sad. Players deserve praise. They really wanted it. And not for me, but for myself. This is a friendly group, very young, but warm, almost brotherhood. Tomash from Anthony, Anthony from Rego, Rego from Bicycle – it really looks like brotherhood. A wonderful group I will try to help my experience. At least today, I helped them get back from leaving with another smile than the one they went with. ”
About the game from the port
I came to Benfik not to annoy the port. I came to enjoy the opportunity to train again at a high level, in a large club, with ambitions to win. This is the whole reason. I respect the “port”, this is an important part of my story, like me – part of the history of “port”. On Dragau, I will definitely not greet me – this is normal. But it’s just a sport: 90
Source: Sport.ua