"We have a great squad and everyone can play"

PREVIEW

Emphasizing the importance of the strength of the Estádio da Luz in the mission to reach the last 16 of the  Champions League, Kökcü assured that Benfica will be at full strength for the second leg of the knockout stage play-off against Monaco, scheduled for Tuesday, February 18.

Benfica go into this second leg of the tie with a 0-1 lead. What do you expect from the first few minutes of the game?

I expect Monaco to put pressure on us, but we're ready for the game. We're playing at home, and we know we get a lot of support at home from our fans. It's going to be a good game and, as I said, we're ready.

Benfica have already beaten Monaco twice this season. Does that give you extra confidence for this game?

No, because we have to go into the game as if we've never played against them before. We can't be sloppy, we can't start slowly, so we have to be ready. The coach [Bruno Lage] also said today [Tuesday, February 18] that we have to be ready for the game and not feel that this is going to be easy. As I said, we're going to be strong, we're going to start strong, and we want to finish this game in a good way.

How do you feel about the role given to you by the coach? Do your teammates' injuries worry you in any way?

Yes, I like the role I have. I have a role where I have to do more than just attack, so I'm working harder to also be good at defending and helping the team in defensive positions. I'm working hard to be better at that part of my game, and the coach and staff are helping me with that, through extra analysis after matches. I'm happy the way I am now, and I can still improve. As for injuries, we have a great squad, everyone can play and is ready for tomorrow's game. I don't think it's going to be a big problem.