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| Tuesday, 16 August 2011 22:04 |
Jorge Jesus: “This result gives us confidence for Lisbon”Reaction to Champions League draw at Twente Speaking after tonight’s Champions League playoff first leg in Holland, Benfica coach Jorge Jesus and his players said they were pleased with the outcome of the match, believing that the two away goals scored could be the key to making it to the group stage of the competition.
Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach:“We went behind early but the team remained motivated, we didn’t get nervous and we managed to turn it round in the first half. In the second half we expected we would have more space as time went by because Twente had to take risks.
“I brought on Saviola in the hope of making it 3-1. This didn’t happen and we ended up conceding a goal where there was a clear foul on Emerson. Afterwards I sent on Matic to defend the result, because a two-two draw is better for Benfica than for Twente. This result gives us confidence for Lisbon.”
Artur, Benfica goalkeeper:“We knew it would be difficult against Twente. We managed to score two goals and take a positive result into the decisive game. We are close to qualifying; two goals give us a good advantage for the second leg, but nothing is decided.
“Am I a hero? No, no player can win or lose on his own. I’m very happy at Benfica. It was a pondered choice and when you’re happy things are a lot easier.”
Related: Twente 2-2 Benfica match report Cardozo, Benfica striker:“I believe it was a good result. Things went well and we did what our coach asked of us. Will I stay at Benfica? I’m 100 per cent at Benfica and I will show in each game that I am 100 percent at Benfica. I’m going to give my best for my team.”
Saviola:“Twente play good football as they showed here. We managed a good result which was the most important thing. I wasn’t surprised to be named a substitute. Benfica have good players and the most important thing was to help the team.”
Tom Kundert
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Cordozo- Did his job in the first, scored a crucial goal, but ran out of legs early in the 2nd. Should have been replaced by maybe Jara, or someone that can run
Artur - stood on his head plenty of times during the second, however I'm still not convinced by him. Looked shaky at times, and I think he could've done alot more in both goals
Maxi - held the ball too long. Ola John ate him up when he came on. John looked alot stronger and easily bumped Maxi off the ball
Amorim - what a dissaster. Need the Ruben of 2 years ago to show up. Cost us the 1st goal vs Gil, didn't look better vs. Twente
Saviola - had a useless showing as a sub, maybe should start the next match to get something going with Nolito and Cordozo
Emerson - had a decent match, maybe should have made more of a challenge on Ruiz goal (although it was a push, and it likely would've been called in the portuguese league; these players got to realise that you can't rely on the ref's call in Europe; refs behind the goal were also pointless)
Axel- Solid game, solid player, but seemed to run out of gas later in the game
JJ- was satisfied with the 2 away goals, which is a big mistake. Like usual he subbed Cordozo off too late, and brought in defence instead off attacking with the lead. Doesn't realise that 3-1 going into the Luz would've killed off any chances of Twente advancing.
Twente looked stronger, and more fit at the end of the 90 then Benfica did. If Twente scores early in the Luz like they did last night then SLB will be in trouble. Remember trying to chase another goal in Braga in the 2nd leg of last years Europe League. Benfica's got to come out strong, and look for the 1st goal. I can really see JJ, trying to pile on the defesa next week, he's got to realise that SLB wins by attacking teams, not by trying to defend.
Let's not make any mistakes, Forca and Gorioso !!!
It's comforting to know that Twente are likely to have to score at least twice at Da Luz to knock us out, because i have the utmost confidence that we will score at least once in front of our own fans. There's still much work to be done for sure, but Benfica will see much more of the ball next week, and we should finish the job off if we play our normal game.
Great to see the comments from Cardozo, every pre-season I hope he stays, as he has become the focus of our attack in the last few years. Once he gets his confidence going this season as the goals start coming, we could have a very frightening attack with the level of players such as Nolito, assisting Tacuara. I'm also expecting good things from Enzo Perez too, and apparently Nelson Oliveira is having a great junior world cup, and he should join the squad afterwards with confidence. So we are starting to look good up front again.
I agree with some of the other comments, the defence needs to tighten up, but i think it will in time, as they get used to playing with eachother. Capdevila should definitely be first choice for left back, his experience will definitely strengthen the back-line. Although I would prefer Eduardo to be in goal, Artur made some very good saves last night, and it's good to know we have two good options for goalkeeper.
I definitely would like to see the 4-2-3-1 formation for most matches this season...certainly for all away matches, particularly in Europe. All in all it's been a pretty satisfying pre-season and start to the season, considering all the new faces in the squad. If this team gels fairly soon, we could have an exciting campaign to look forward to...
Cardozo looked good, showed composure on the ball and decent decision making and execution.