Roger Schmidt: "We showed top football"

POST-MATCH

Considering it "one of the best games of this season", Roger Schmidt analyzed Benfica's 6-1 win over Vizela at the Estádio da Luz, on matchday 22 of Liga Betclic.

A FANTASTIC GAME

"We played a top game today [Sunday, February 18]. We played a fantastic game, especially in the first half. Tactically, in my opinion, it was one of the best games this season. The aggressiveness with the ball, the pressing and how we did it without giving the opposition a chance to develop... Not just in the high pressure, but overall, I saw a lot of energy on the pitch. All the players were involved in the tactical behavior, very good with the ball, patient and good at accelerating with the ball at the right moments. Top ball recovery, offensive transitions and quality in front of goal. The second half was also good, unfortunately we made the mistake that led to the goal, but it was important to score one more at the end. I think the players enjoyed playing today, and that's how we want to play, with a lot of action on the pitch. I'm very happy today. It was important for us to win this game, as it always is. We have a tough schedule, we've made some changes to the starting eleven to give some players a rest and others minutes, to improve their form. It's important for us because we've got crucial weeks ahead of us. It was a top day, and I'm glad we played at that level."

CALENDAR CALLS FOR TEAM MANAGEMENT

"No matter what I do, I'll always be criticized because I'm Benfica's coach. It's normal, and it's not a problem. I have to make my decisions and make sure we're winning games. After Thursday's game [against Toulouse] and the games against Vitória SC [February 11] and Vizela [February 8], having those two away games in such a short space of time, and having the Europa League game on Thursday, of course I have to take precautions. There's another game on Thursday, then another on Sunday, and then there's another game on Thursday and another on Sunday. Of course, we have to be careful to find the right time to give certain players a rest to recover. On the other hand, other players are in great condition, I see them in training and I think it's important that they have the opportunity to show themselves in the game as well, not just in training. For me, it's very good, I have different options in the squad and we need all these players next week. Today [Sunday, February 18] was a good opportunity to make those changes without lacking quality. We showed top football, we changed five or six players. I'm delighted."

TENGSTEDT AS A STARTER AND A "DREAM BENCH"

"I don't think it's just the forwards; we have quality in many positions and competitive situations. In my opinion, Casper [Tengstedt] needed to get used to everything, but when he became a first-choice player, he showed he was reliable tactically. It's not just his goals, but also what he does on the pitch, regardless of the tactical topics. He's good at it; he's intuitive in pressure situations, and in transitions, and he showed it again in training after his injury. Today [Sunday, February 18] was the ideal moment for him to return. I'm glad he played at this level. Unfortunately, he didn't score, but I think he played a top game. Competition is important not just for our team, but for all the teams, for all the players. It's good for them to know that the team also plays good, successful soccer without some players and with other players. In my opinion, for example, João Mário had a fantastic game in position 6. He's given us a lot of balance in this position, along with João Neves. We have a lot of options, but I prefer to have this 'problem' of finding the right players for each game."

NERES' RETURN

"I'm very happy that David [Neres] is back after his injury. He was out for about three months, he had problems before the surgery, and today [Sunday, February 18] we saw what he can do in top form. He's worked hard over the last few weeks, training individually, and over the last three, four weeks, training with the team. He's already had a few minutes, and I thought now was the time for him to start. He's very good for us, he was a key player last season and could be this season. He scored two goals and made two assists, but for me, it also matters that he worked hard in the first half in midfield and the second half more as a forward. He was motivated and in very good shape. I'm pleased, and I hope he keeps it up."