“A fair win and a consistent display”

POST-MATCH

Pleased with the “consistency” of the football played by the Eagles, Bruno Lage considered Benfic's victory against Famalicão (4-0), on matchday 18 of the Liga Betclic, played this Friday, January 17, at Estádio da Luz.

THE DEBT AND CONSISTENCY

"It was a fair win, a consistent display from us, with four goals. They were also a difficult opponent, with a good dynamic. So we're happy. We're happy to have had two very good moments. Firstly, because we showed off the trophy... We were indebted to our fans, especially for the last home game [against Braga on January 4]. I think it was a very consistent 90 minutes from us, with the football and attacking dynamics that I want, that I like, that I know the fans like, with lots of chances and lots of goals. So, looking at what we did, and looking at our opponents for the response they gave, we're fair winners, and we're happy with our display. And for giving both the trophy and the display to our fans."

GOOD RESPONSES AND WILLINGNESS TO DEVELOP

"We always have [aspects to improve]. When we look at what we did here [at the Estádio da Luz, against Braga, on January 4] a fortnight ago and the lessons we've all learned... We've seen an improvement in all the players and, interestingly, you mention Andreas [Schjelderup], I mention Barreiro. I've mentioned Barreiro several times, and today [Friday, January 17] he scored a hat-trick, so what I want is this: good responses from everyone, always being willing to keep evolving, and only in this way can we be on the right track, both as a team and as individuals."

BARREIRO AND THE POWER OF WORK

"Barreiro's goals were important for Barreiro, and Pavlidis played a part in that, making moves to drag Barreiro back, to open up space for Barreiro. Barreiro is interesting... It's interesting, because we didn't know the player. Unfortunately, I think, after a week/15 days of us working with him regularly - and because he also goes to the national team - he got injured, and that's when we started to feel that he's a player with a very interesting approach to the area, with these short diagonals. He's been working hard, and I've been talking a lot. I was very happy for him. Do you know why? I'll tell you why. My first decision when I got here was to take Barreiro out of the team. Everyone said that with Tino [Florentino], Barreiro couldn't play. Four and a half months later, on the strength of Barreiro's work, he played, he played in a more advanced position on the pitch, he made diagonals, as I like, into the box, and he scored three beautiful goals. So credit to the player, and we're very happy for him, and I wouldn't take any of his goals away from him to give to another player."

COLLECTIVE INDEPENDENT OF INDIVIDUALITIES

"The team was dependent on Barreiro today [Friday, January 17], they scored the three goals... [smiles] I haven't seen the team dependent on anyone. [I haven't seen the team dependent on anyone. The team is the strength of the collective. Now, you tell me [journalist]. A few days ago, a month ago, Di María was contributing goals, assists and giving the team a collective dynamic. Today, the team is dependent on Di María... It's up to us to feel what contribution the players can make to the team. And we're happy to see players like Di María and Otamendi, with all the quality they have, helping other players to be part of a very strong team. That's how I see it. Today, Barreiro stood out. Maybe tomorrow, another player will stand out. The important thing is always the contribution that each of them can make to the team. I understand your question. Now, when any team in the world has a player of Di María's quality, they have to take advantage of that, on the right, behind the forward, on the left... The most important thing is that we look at the team as a whole and realize that it's with the strength of the team that the individuals will stand out." 

"It's about preparing in the best way possible [Barcelona]. If I'm not mistaken, in 14 days we've played five games, won a trophy, come back... continued in the Portuguese Cup, won another league game, and now we have to look at another competition. We know it's a difficult opponent, but we have time to talk about it."