"I'm a left-back who goes forward to shoot and cross"

INTERVIEW

Presenting himself as a pressing, attack-minded left-back, Jan-Niklas Beste highlighted the important step in his career and his enthusiasm for representing a club as big as Benfica in his first statements as a player for the eagles.

Revealing the comfort he felt after his first conversation with Roger Schmidt, the reinforcement believes he has the necessary characteristics to fit in with the coach's game philosophy, something that made his decision to move to Luz even easier.

In his interview with BTV, Jan-Niklas Beste also left a message for the Reds' fans: "I'm very happy to be here, and I'm looking forward to seeing you soon."

This stadium is your new home, how do you feel at the moment?

First of all, I'm very happy and grateful to be here at Benfica. It's a great club. I'm very, very happy.

It's important to clarify, are you a defender?

Yes, I am. I'm a defender. I'm a left-back. My root position is left-back. Of course, I can also play on the wing, but my root position is definitely left-back.

Last season at Heidenheim, you scored eight goals and made 14 assists, which is a lot. What kind of defender are you?

I think I'm a defender who presses, who goes forward to cross and shoot. Yes. Corners. Free kicks. I think I'm a very offensive defender.

Do you think your characteristics fit in with Roger Schmidt's style of play?

I think so. The conversation with the coach was very good. I felt very comfortable with the conversation with the coach, and now I'm here, very happy.

What do you know about coach Roger Schmidt?

I know he's German, so it was easy. I spoke to him in German. I know his mentality and I know a bit about the Bundesliga. I know how he wants to play, and I like it. For me, the decision to come here was very easy.

Do you believe that coming to play for Benfica was an important step in your career?

Yes, of course. I know the level of demand at this great club in Portugal. I know the pressure, but I'm very excited about the coming years.

You helped your old team qualify for the Conference League, but now it's time to play in the Champions League with Benfica?

Yes, of course. I'm very happy. I think it's an important step for my career. I'm very happy to have the chance to show myself.

What are your main goals at Benfica?

First, my personal goals: I want to stay healthy, be able to show on the pitch and help the team. I think the main thing for me is to stay healthy.

Benfica is Benfica. What do you know about the club?

What I know about the club is that, in Germany, Benfica is the biggest club in Portugal. They've won the Champions League. They win the league very often. In Germany, the Portuguese are always Benfica fans.

Benfica has very passionate fans, what do you want to say to them eye to eye?

Hello, Benfica fans, I'm very excited to meet you for the first time here at the stadium. I'm very happy to be here, and I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.