Analysis: “Satisfied with the result, above all. The game was difficult for us. We weren’t able to settle our game in the first half, we didn’t have many moments in attacking midfield. The wind and pitch conditions made it difficult, but credit also to Santa Clara. I told the players that we weren’t at our level and to be calm. Nobody plays football if they don’t have the calm to make the right decisions and that was a little lacking. I don’t want to take away even 1% of the merit of Santa Clara, who were pressing and We tried to look for depth. It cost us a little, above all because we didn’t have long possessions like we usually do. The first half was far from what it should have been. The pitch was difficult for both sides; That’s what happened. We changed Prestianni to create irreverence in that position and then open wings. The team responded well. Even when everything seemed difficult, we had to be more calm.”
Duo Schjelderup and Prestianni: “They are two great players, two young players, and it’s up to me to make a difference. Prestianni was involved in both goals, he’s a player who is in a phenomenal moment. I just said to him: ‘Sometimes, this defines the good players from the great players’. The first half was difficult for him. The pitch wasn’t good, it wasn’t working out, we didn’t exploit it well. He’s in a process of growth, he’s 20 years old, but the way he reacted, in a different role, leaves me very satisfied. It’s seeing the growth of a young man with enormous talent.”
Prestianni Level: “I congratulate him. I just had a conversation with him and the group. I said it was important to rectify some things. Santa Clara had an opportunity, we ended up cutting the ball, but the team didn’t define it as it should have. Regarding Prestianni, congratulations, but Benfica isn’t just Prestianni. We have to be much more than a player. We are a group that fought hard to turn the game around, which was very difficult. The first half wasn’t at the level it had to be and I didn’t see any dissatisfaction from the benches. I congratulate them on that. Today it was proven that it will be a long road ahead, with many difficulties, one of them Santa Clara, and I congratulate them.”
Importance of the result in the table: “I understand the issue, it makes sense, but I prefer to look at us and what we have to do as a team. I saw our team today a little nervous at the beginning of the game, but it wasn’t the only nervous team and it’s important to be aware of that. I’m paying attention. What I can control is our team’s entry, which was at the level it has been.”
Confusion at the final whistle: “You have the images, I hope you post all the images and let’s see what Durán did. I haven’t seen all the images, I hope you have them all and that it doesn’t take three days to show everything, as has already happened in this championship. We’ve already had to wait. You know what I’m talking about. I hope they show everything. I believe in Durán and he told me he did absolutely nothing. If he didn’t do anything, I hope they have the courage to take the red away from him.”
