Roger Schmidt: "We must focus and believe in ourselves"

PREVIEW

Roger Schmidt, coach of Benfica, previewed the European clash against Dynamo Kyiv, in Lodz, in the 1st leg of the Champions League play-off. 

What do you expect from Dynamo? Sydorchuk will not play tomorrow. Do you think they will play with other defensive midfielder or with five defenders?

It’s a Champions League game, so I expect a very motivated team, trying everything to reach the Champions League. Dynamo Kyiv is a very good team, in the previous two rounds they played the 2^nd leg away, in Turkey [Fenerbahçe] and Graz [Sturm Graz], it’s not easy to play there. It shows their quality, their mentality, and their good physical condition, even not playing in the league. We’ll see their tactical approach, they must replace two players, that’s part of football and they have to find solutions. They [Dynamo players] can do everything, their tactical behavior is very flexible, sometimes very offensive, sometimes more defensive. I expect an open game and a good opponent.

Was the preparation for this match any different since Dynamo Kyiv does not have the same competitive regularity of Benfica?

No. They played four matches this season, so we have a good overview. Benfica also played last season against them, and there are not so many changes in the squad. We prepared ourselves as good as possible, and the key is always the same, we must focus and believe in ourselves, we have to play tactically wise, respect the opponent and make some adjustments.

Is it the most important game of the season?

The upcoming game is always the most important. It would be great for us, for the Club, for the fans and for everybody to play the Champions League. It’s the best competition of clubs worldwide. The play-off games at the beginning of the season represent a massive goal to achieve the Champions League. We have two games against Dynamo Kyiv and an opportunity to show that we’re the best team and that we deserve to play the CL.

What is your hope [expectation] for the game?

It’s the first time I get this question. I have no expectations; I try to prepare the team the best I can. We showed that we can play good football so far, that we can win games, attack, and defend as a team. I just hope to keep the level. I believe in ourselves, and I think we have good chances to play a good game tomorrow [Wednesday].

Neres missed the last two games. Is he available to play Dynamo Kyiv tomorrow?

Yes, he’s available, he’s back. He trained with the team, he’s 100% fit and an option again.