"It's up to us, we have to show our quality"

PREVIEW

On Thursday, February 22, at 5:45 pm in mainland Portugal, Benfica will play Toulouse in the second leg of the Europa League play-off at the home of the French club. Trubin launched the match, in which the team has "the mission of reaching the next stage". 

Are you expecting a different game from the first leg at Estádio da Luz?

I'm expecting a tough game against a good opponent. It will be completely different compared to the game in Lisbon [at Estádio da Luz]. It's the second game, we're playing away, and I think they'll play more aggressively. It's all up to us, we have to play our soccer, in our style, and show our quality. We played a good game at the weekend [Sunday, February 18, against Vizela], the players are all in a good mood and prepared. Wherever we play, we have a lot of Benfica fans, and that's great in away games, it gives us more energy.

Is the team aiming to win the Europa League?

For Benfica, all competitions are important. We go step by step. Now, our mission is to reach the next stage [round of 16]. We're focused on this game and this mission.

If it comes down to penalties, are you ready?

Why not? For a goalkeeper, I think it's one of the easiest parts, because you don't have the pressure. I hope we don't have to go to penalties and that we win the game in 90 minutes.

Do you think the Europa League is the ideal stage to showcase your skills?

It's an interesting question, but every game for Benfica is a good opportunity for every player. I'm not just focused on my game, I'm focused on our team. The team is more important than the individual.

Has your ability with your feet changed Benfica's way of playing?

Benfica always plays possession-based football, always attacking. So one of the parts of being a goalkeeper is playing well with your feet. You're just another player. I think it's very important for all goalkeepers now to play well with their feet.

You've had a very positive season. How did you manage to bond with the team so quickly?

For me, it's the group. My teammates, are fantastic people, so it was easier to connect with them. Game by game, I feel more confident in the players and the players in me as a goalkeeper. That's part of football. Step by step, we understand each other more and more, and that's why we feel a good connection. But without a good atmosphere in the dressing room, it's impossible.