Jorge Jesus: "We are confident and motivated"

PREVIEW

SL Benfica and FC Porto lock horns at 9 pm on Friday. At Estádio do Dragão the three points from matchday 14 of the Liga NOS are at stake.

Benfica had just over 48 hours to prepare this clássico. What were the aspects of the training you gave the highest priority to? What do you expect from this match?

We have the same conditions that our opponent has. They also didn't have much time to prepare for the game. After the Portuguese Cup game, we focused on recovering the team, with some active, technical-tactical work. We are prepared to face an opponent that is strong at Estádio do Dragão. Benfica is also prepared for the difficulties and must respond with quality, good defensive organization, with quality in the offensive game. And try to contest all the moments of the match, so that Benfica is better and can leave with the three points, which is our great goal.

Does FC Porto head to this clássico in better form than Benfica taking into account the unbeaten streak and also the fact they won the Super Cup?

For the Super Cup, yes, but they have the almost same unbeaten streak as Benfica. But just because of the Super Cup, the rest is on equal terms. Whether at home or away, a clássico is a clássico, it doesn't have much to do with the moments of the teams that will face each other. Everything changes. The important thing, for me, is that Benfica makes a good game and can leave Estádio do Dragão with a victory.

Do you believe that a victory at Estádio do Dragão can help in building confidence and motivation in the team, and further unite the fans?

It is the victories that motivate. Sometimes we are unable to win, but we are confident, we are motivated because we know what steps we have to take and that we will improve. The results are very important for the supporters.  A victory, to either team, guarantees greater comfort, not only in the standings but also morally.

What can decide the clássico?

As in all games, what makes the difference is always the quality of the team that plays better. What can also make a difference are some individual plays, from both teams, because they have players who can create that space that teams collectively cannot.