Bruno Lage: "Re-enter with a warm heart but a cool head"

PREVIEW

Benfica travels to the Cidade-Berço (cradle city) of Portugal to face V. Guimarães, on matchday 15 of the Liga NOS. Bruno Lage spoke about a match that will "very competitive".

How was the return to work and the preparation for this game against Vitoria de Guimarães?

It is a difficult return to competitive action since we will face V. Guimarães after this break, which brings good and bad things.The good thing is the opportunity for people to get together with their families, especially those who live abroad, and it is also an opportunity to recover and rest.   I believe that the team is focused and motivated to return to good performances, victories and have a strong re-entry into competitions.

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I want to say a word to our fans because I was surprised. On the 1st of January, after New Year's Eve, to have more than 20 thousand people supporting us at Estádio da Luz was a very strong entry into the new year. The sign and the message is this: that welcome leaves us with a warm heart, but at the same time the cold weather on that day leaves us with a cold head and with the mentality of the work that has to be done. We will re-enter the competitions with a warm heart, but with a cool head and aware that we have to do a great job to win in Guimarães.

What analysis do you make of Vitoria de Guimarães coached by Ivo Vieira, who is in a seven-match undefeated streak in all competitions?

Vitória has an excellent team and an excellent coach, a past that speaks for itself. We have already faced this opponent in the League Cup, it was a very balanced match that finished with a draw [0-0]. I had the opportunity to see many games of V. Guimarães, it is always a very competitive team, with a huge organization and willingness to have ball possession and put problems to the opponents. We must be prepared for that. I foresee a very difficult, competitive match and we have to at our best level to get the re-entry we want

Text: Diogo Nascimento and João Sanches

Photos: Cátia Luís / SL Benfica