In detail:
MICHEL
Mr Jesus said this is not a decisive fixture? Do you agree?
In fact, this fixture is not decisive since there will be other matches to follow. Yet, we see that as a decisive match since it is one that we want to win. Whenever there is amtch we want to win, then this is a one-way street for us. We have great aspirations and expectations. We are ready to get the win.
What do you think is Benfica’s main features? Have Saviola and Roberto given you any idea about how to win tomorrow?
Benfica’s asset is that it is a great club and we are here, both proud and respectful, to perform in this stadium. The truth is that we have Saviola and Roberto, but we also have other players from various countries. Even I, a non-Greek, I came to Greece and we work hard to face a side like Benfica.
Do you believe that you may win top place in the group or is it already taken by PSG?
This is a very brief tournament and forecasting is really difficult to make. After the match against PSG, everybody thought we have been disqualified already, however we see now that we have many chances to make to next round. We have no thoughts of qualifying as first or second; we only think about qualifying. That’s what both we and Benfica want.
Who’s Benfica’s most dangerous player?
Benfica has many notable players, but if I were to pick one, then I would go for the coach. He is the best of all.
Both Portugal and Greece are facing an economic crisis. Can you feel what such wins in football mean for these two countries?
Yes, I can see that, since I come from a country also in crisis. We know very well the state of Europe and the importance of such wins in order mainly to encourage the public. This is the case in Greece, Portugal and Spain. However, we are coaches and we find the time to read the newspapers and see the condition in which people is.
Are you thinking of facing Benfica in a different manner compared to Anderlecht. And we say that in the sense that your side displayed quite a few defensive holes in the first half against Anderlecht.
We could have played better in defense and still lose the match. Against Anderlecht, the final result made us happy, but we allowed them many chances. We also conceded no goals and that was thanks to Roberto. We hope that Roberto will perform well again. This issue is that we must not Benfica to create many goal-scoring opportunities.
Theoretically speaking, Saviola has been your most resonant transfer. However, Mitroglou has been lately the talk of the town. Will this fixture be a chance for Saviola to register a good appearance?
It is very tough for him to try and perform better, because he is already doing very well. He knows his role in our team and his professionalism drives him to always keep on trying. He is a living example for all. He has helped Mitroglou and all players.
PAULO MACHADO
Given that your injury has given you a hard time, how fit are you and what do you reckon about you return in Portugal to perform in the stadium of your debut with the Portuguese national team?
I have continuous training sessions so I can fully recover. I am here to help my team and I will do the best I can.
Mr. Jesus said that this match is not decisive with respect to qualifying. Do you agree?
I think it is decisive. It is like a final that’s why both teams will give their best.
How does it feel to return to “Da Luz” stadium?
I feel really great. I have no problem whatsoever. And since my coach invited me to be here, I feel fine. I am here to play.
For you, which side is the favorite for tomorrow’s fixture?
I believe Benfica is the favorite just because they are playing at home.
Do you believe that your part and Saviola’s will be important for the outcome of this match?
I believe he is an important player and for this reason, this is going to be an individual match for me, because I debuted here and I feel really satisfied.
Saviola and Roberto, both players of Benfica in the past, have they given you any piece of advice about how to win the match?
They have told me nothing. I have drawn my own conclusions. This is a strong side.
What will you feel if selected for the national team?
I would feel what any player selected for the national team would feel.
