"I always try to do my best for the team"

PREVIEW

Acknowledging that Monaco is an opponent that will create difficulties for Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League scheduled for 8 pm on Wednesday, February 12, at the Stade Louis II, Pavlidis considered that the eagles are ready to continue their progress in the competition.

It's the second game with Monaco this season. What kind of opponents are you expecting?

We know from the last game that Monaco are a very fast and physical team, with quality players. It will be a difficult game for us, but we're here to play attacking football and win the game.

I think you know the expression “open the ketchup”. The coach has already used it, as did Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010. Do you feel that way? Since you opened [the ketchup] against Barcelona, do you have a goal target for this season?

No, for me... from the first day I arrived here I've always tried to do my best for the team. Of course, in some games I score, in other games I don't. Football has changed now, strikers don't just have to score goals, there are many other things [to do] on the pitch. Of course, if the goals come, I'm always happy to score and help my team. In the end, what matters is that the team wins, not whether I score or not.

What are your thoughts on the situation of Bah and Manu, players who were seriously injured in Benfica's last match against Moreirense?

It's an unfortunate moment for both players, who are very important to us, very good players. Manu, for example, arrived recently, played two games and played very well. Bah is also very important to us, he's provided a few assists for me, he transmits a lot of energy to the team. It's a shame they have to sit out the rest of the season.

Will you dedicate your next goal to Bah and Manu?

Of course. I think our goals... from now on we'll be playing for them too. Losing two teammates like them so quickly, in about a minute, is very painful. Of course we'll play for them and try to do our best for them.

You've scored in the last two Champions League games. Do you think you can be a plus, a decisive player for Benfica in this knockout stage?

I think everyone is important to us, and we have enough good players to win games. Of course I want to help the team, but it's not something I think “I have to do this” [score]. I want to do my best in these two games. I know they'll be tough games, because it's the knockout phase, and if I can help the team score goals... that's what I want.

You said there's more you can do on the pitch than score goals. It's said that great strikers are a bit obsessed with scoring goals. Isn't that an obsession for you?

Of course, if you're the number 9 in a team, your job, as you said, is to score goals, but, even because of my style of play, it's also about assisting, scoring goals, putting pressure on the defenders, keeping the ball playable for my teammates, and helping them out as well. I think it's not just the goals, but a lot of things around that.

Do you remember the previous game with Monaco? Do you expect your opponents to be more competitive in this encounter?

Of course I remember how the game went, it was a crazy game. We were fortunate that they got a red card, and it was easier for us to win the game. Monaco will be stronger and more prepared, of course, but we don't have to fear anything, we want to play our football, think about ourselves, play good football for ourselves and our fans, and not think so much about Monaco. But of course we know they're a good team, very competitive.