Roger Schmidt: "Connected to the supporters we'll fight for the three points"

PREVIEW

Roger Schmidt previewed this Tuesday, October 4, the Benfica-PSG match, from Matchday 3 of the Champions League Group H, scheduled for Wednesday at 8 pm at Estádio da Luz.

The PSG profile will change anything in the Benfica’s preparation for this match?

Adjustments are necessary for each opponent; we have to find the break-even point. We have always to respect the quality and the strengths of the teams we face. In this case, it’s clear that there is a lot of individual quality in the team, not only in the attacking line, but also in defense. They have world class players in every position, we got to respect that. Tomorrow [Wednesday], we must trust in our work. Adjustments will be made, but we also have to play our way. 

Against an opponent with Mbappé, Neymar and Messi in the front line, do you feel the need to reinforce defense, or should we expect the same image that Benfica had in the last 14 official games?

We have to make adjustments, especially when we face a team with such offensive quality. It’s not about having more defenders, but play tactically well, being wise, to play with quality. We need to be supportive, with many players close to the ball. We’ll have to adjust, but also believe in our work.

The mental is very important in these matches. The players’ motivation, with the fans’ support, can make a difference against one of the best teams in the world?

Yes, the mental is very important, but I don’t think we need to motivate the players for this game. They motivate themselves. But we need more than simple motivation. There might be room for an extra motivation... With our supporters at the Stadium, we will feel connected to them, and the players will feel the ambition to play a great game and fight for the three points. We’ll play one of the best teams in the world, and everything can happen in a single game.