Benfica coach Roger Schmidt highlighted the qualities of Inter ahead of the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, but noted his team ‘want to play our best’.
The Nerazzurri will face off against the Portuguese league leaders on Tuesday evening in the first leg of their quarter-final clash, a vital game for both clubs. The winner of this tie will face the victor of Milan–Napoli, setting up an exciting route to the Champions League final.
Benfica flew to a 7-1 aggregate win over Club Brugge in their Round of 16 tie in the competition, whilst Inter edged past Porto 1-0 on aggregate in a tense fashion.
Speaking in a press conference, Schmidt first discussed Benfica’s draw with Inter.
“I think that, at this point, you only face great teams. For both teams it is a crucial match, Inter are a top team, very focused.
“We want to play our best football and we have to be ready for a very strong team, with so many individual qualities and so many options, I think we know what we have to do, which is a top performance.”
He was asked if he had studied the Round of 16 tie between the Nerazzurri and Porto.
“Of course, and we didn’t only see those two matches. Inter are a very experienced team, who know how to play offensive football if they need to and can defend very well.
“They have an Italian style, but they know how to change a lot, we have to be ready for anything.”
The Benfica coach commented on the changes after the team’s defeat to Porto on Friday.
“It’s part of football to lose games. On Friday we lost an important one, but in the past, we have won a lot and this is also part of a growth process.
“Defeats must be used for something positive, in the last two days we have only thought about Inter.”
He was asked about his squad and plans for the starting lineup.
“I won’t say the formation. If you tell me the Inter lineup, maybe…. We won’t have Otamendi, but we have two very good substitutes like Verissimo and Morato.
“It’s a pity they couldn’t play so much, it’s difficult when you have a top player like Nicolas in front of you. Tomorrow one of them will be a starter and the other will come off the bench. Grimaldo is available.”
Finally, Schmidt discussed if drawing Inter was particularly favourable for Benfica.
“Well, the draw is a draw, both teams deserve to be here. Inter may be struggling in the league, but they have a lot of experience and a lot of quality in the league. It’s a special match for everyone, from me to the players. I expect extra motivation from them, it’s a great game.
“But I also expect it from the opponents. I have no doubt about their quality, they will be ready, and we will have to be ready in the same way. Without forgetting that then there will also be the return leg.”