"I'm ready to play wherever the manager wants to put me"

PREVIEW

Surgical in his approach to Benfica's game against Inter Milan on Wednesday, November 29, at the Estádio da Luz, Morato previewed the match on Matchday 5 in Group D of the Champions League. "This game represents everything," said the defender. 

You started the game in Italy [matchday 2 of Group D]. Do you expect a very different opponent from then, given that Inter Milan has already secured qualification?

We always expect a tough game in a tough competition. We know that their team doesn't change much, especially the tactical set-up, but we're prepared for that and hope to have a good game.

When you really need to win, how do you approach a game of this importance?

Of course we have to win. We always go out to do that, and tomorrow [Wednesday] will be no different. It's an important game, and we're going to win.

You've played Inter Milan three times in the last eight months, with two wins and a draw. Does that develop a rivalry and even more desire to finally get a win?

It's a strong opponent that we need to beat because the first four games [of this group stage] didn't go so well for us. We haven't picked up any points yet, and we want to stay in Europe. Tomorrow [Wednesday] is a great opportunity to do that.

Are you beginning to see that the Europa League could be a way of doing well in UEFA competitions?

It wasn't our goal at the start, but now it's on our way. We have to go after it to stay in Europe.

What has it been like for you to play left-back, and what routines have you had to do that are different from the center-back position?

It's a different position to mine, but it's more a question of adapting. I'm ready and willing to play wherever the manager wants to put me. I'll always be at Benfica's disposal.