Bruno Lage: "It is a final to reach a final"

In a press conference at Caixa Futebol Campus, Bruno Lage, Benfica's coach, previewed the match against FC Porto, for the League Cup semi-finals, which takes place next Tuesday, at 7:45 pm, at Estádio Municipal de Braga.

How to you look at this "clássico" against FC Porto?

We are looking at the match as a final. It is a final to reach a final and it is with this determination that we will face the match.

Benfica already beat FC Porto this season. However, can the opponent have a slight advantage for this encounter considering that they have been carrying out a more solid season?

Every match has its own story. This will be a different match in a different competition. It is, like I said, a final to reach a final. The determination, the focus and the attitude will be on both sides.

Which game dynamics will the team display in this match? And, in this particular aspect, what do you expect from FC Porto?

We transitioned from a 4x3x3 formation to a 4x4x2, therefore the positioning is different. Based on that, we want our build-up to be made in a different way. I repeat: different is neither better nor worse, it is different. I also believe that FC Porto will play in a 4x4x2 formation and the challenge will be for us to try to explore the weaknesses of  FC Porto, taking into account their strengths, and our opponent will certainly do the same.

Fejsa and Jonas are fit for this match?

No, they are not available.

Rui Vitória led Benfica to the final four of the competition. Bruno Lage want to take the team where?

To the final, for now. It is game by game. Whoever represents this emblem has an implicit ambition to win. What matters to me now is to prepare the game in the best possible way, as we've already done with the players, and tomorrow [Tuesday] to be focused and determined to win this final and be in another final on Saturday.

Text: João Sanches

Pics: João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica