João Mário: "Ready and confident to give 110%"

PREVIEW

SL Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv lock horns next Wednesday at 8 pm, August 17, in the 1st leg of the Champions League play-off. It is expected "a difficult game, against a very organized opponent", said João Mário. 

What kind of game are you expecting for tomorrow [Wednesday]?

We’re expecting a very difficult game, against a very organized opponent. We played against Dynamo [Kyiv] last year, we know them well, they’re a very good team, they’re used to play together for a long time. We want to start strong and control the game. We want to impose our strategy, pace, intensity and get a good result.

What are the strengths of Dynamo Kyiv?

Above all, they know each other very well and know exactly what to do on the pitch. They have a great coach and players with international experience.

Do you think that Benfica’s good start brings confidence for this match?

It was important to start well. We know that our first goal of the season is the qualification for the UCL Group Stage. We have a new coach, new ideas and we play in a different way. Now we got to be focused on the first great responsibility of the season, we want to perform well and take the decision home. 

Does the fact that Benfica have more games played in more competitions and Dynamo Kyiv only play in international competition can make a difference?

No! We’re just in the beginning of the season and we did a great pre-season. Arguably, at some point, we might feel a bit tired, but the motivation we have for tomorrow’s game [Wednesday] surpasses anything. I think we’ll be ready to give 100% or 110%.