THE Lech Poznan’s coach today anticipated “a fight” against Benfica, in the fourth round of the league phase of the Europa League, promising to “defend with our hearts and lives” in the game with the ‘reds’.
“We know that we also have a lot of quality and that tomorrow (Thursday) it will probably be a fight to have the ball, both teams have a strategy of creating with the ball in their possession, so it will be a fight to have it. Of course we know that, from time to time, we will have to defend with our hearts and our lives”, projected the Danish Niels Frederiksen, leader of the Polish team, in a preview conference held at the Estádio da Luz, where they will face the Benfica.
Despite recognizing the ability of the ‘red’ emblem, “one of the strongest in this competition”, Frederiksen, 55 years old, guarantees that Lech Poznan will do everything to win the three points in dispute and does not think about making savings and targeting the Polish championship, which they lead alone.
“We will try to use the strongest team we can in this game, which is very important for us. We are here to try to win the three points and, therefore, we will field what I believe is the strongest team we have,” promised the coach of the Polish team.
While ensuring that Lech Poznan will present their best version in Luz, Niels Frederiksen admits that Benfica may present changes to their starting eleven, although he considers that this will not change the outlook that awaits his team.
“Benfica won’t change their way of playing if they change two or three players. It’s the same structure, the same style of play. So, I’m not thinking about any of that, but maybe they will change (some players), yes”, analyzed the coach of the Polish club.
Alongside his coach, striker Leo Bengtsson was impressed with the grandeur of Estádio da Luz, admitting he expected “a different atmosphere” even though he had had similar experiences in the recent past.
“Have I ever played in a stadium like this? Yes, against Glasgow Rangers, who also have a big stadium (Ibrox). Now that we are here and we look at this stadium, yes, it is a big stadium and I think tomorrow (Thursday) will be a different atmosphere, but I have experienced it before and so it won’t be any different”, commented the 28-year-old footballer.
In the clash with Benfica, Bengtsson, a three-time AA international for Sweden, could face Benfica defender Samuel Dahl, also a Swede, but with whom he revealed he had never crossed paths before, hoping to get the better of this first clash between the two.
“Dahl? Unfortunately, I don’t know him personally, so I didn’t speak to him, even though I know him and know who he is”, said, smiling, the Lech Poznan striker, who expressed his desire to exchange a few words with his compatriot at the end of the match.
The fourth round meeting between Benfica, who won the three previous games in the Europa League league stage, and Lech Poznan, who have one point, is scheduled for Thursday, at 8:00 pm, at Estádio da Luz, and will be refereed by the Slovenian Martin Matosa.
