Roger Schmidt: "We deserve to qualify"

POST-MATCH

In a "very intense" game from the last 16 of the Portuguese Cup against Braga, Roger Schmidt considered that Benfica clinched a fair triumph (3-2), this Wednesday, January 10, at Estádio da Luz. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

"The key was being focused on winning a difficult game. It was a very intense game from the start. We had some problems in the early stages in terms of possession. We weren't good, nor were we as quick as we usually are. Our movement and combinations weren't good, we didn't dominate the game as we wanted to, and we conceded the goal. Then it wasn't easy, but we changed the momentum 10 minutes before half-time. We created chances, scored two top goals, one of them on the counter-attack. For the other goal, Arthur [Cabral] did very well in a one-on-one. I don't know the specific reasons, but cup games are special, and after the break they scored a great goal, with a shot from 25 meters out. It was an open game, we had to be focused and know how to defend in the best way. Both teams had chances, and we had to wait for the right moment to score and decide the game. It's a good sign to be able to win these balanced matches. The 3rd goal was fantastic, and decisive, and we deserved to win and qualify for the next round."

ABILITY TO REACT

"I'm very pleased because every game is a challenge. We've won important games, but also difficult ones. That's a good sign. It's very important to remain humble, but we know that we have to fight hard for the full 90 minutes and be very well-prepared to win these balanced matches. We have to be prepared for every game, and that's the challenge for next weekend. I appreciated the players' mentality, saying 'present' in difficult moments. I think we have good team leadership and the quality to overcome these challenges. Our goal is to keep going and win trophies this season. To do that, we have to go game by game, step by step. The players are doing that very well. Today [Wednesday] was a very good example of that. In my opinion, we try to find the best approach to various situations and play good soccer. That's what we've been doing."

AMBITIONS IN THE PORTUGUESE CUP

"A cup is a cup. We have to be ready for the next opponent. I love this competition because we always play against opponents who have won in previous rounds. In the end, there's only one team left, and it's unbeatable. We'll wait for the draw, and we have to be ready for the quarter-finals."

HAPPY FOR ARTHUR CABRAL

"Everyone sees that he's playing with more confidence now. He's a good lad, a good player, and he's worked hard over the last few months. He's suffered a bit, because he's a Benfica 9 and he wasn't showing his best form, but he's done well in recent games. Today [Wednesday], against a great opponent, in our stadium, he showed his quality. He played a top game, not just for the goal and the assist. He connected with his teammates and knew how to find spaces at the right times. I'm happy for him and for us, because he's showing all his potential. He was decisive with a goal and an assist. I hope he can continue this run of form. We're all very happy for him."

THE OPTIONS FOR REFRESHING THE ATTACK

"Marcos [Leonardo] is a player for the future. It was a game where we had to be careful until the last second. Arthur [Cabral] was a bit fatigued, and Petar [Musa] knew exactly what to do on the pitch. I had to be careful not to put him [Marcos Leonardo] in a situation he might not be ready for. He'll have a great future at Benfica, but today [Wednesday] everything was possible until the end of the match, and we had to win. So, in my opinion, it wasn't the right time for him."