We failed to retain control
Friday, February 28, 2020
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At the press conference, Benfica manager Bruno Lage commented on the outcome of the encounter with Shakhtar
- The goal was to reach the next round. We reached the score of 3-1, as planned. At such moments, you need to better control the game. Throughout 60 minutes we did that, forcing Shakhtar to defend and causing the opponents many problems. Given our advantage in the first half, we had a good chance. Early in the second half, we made it 3-1, but then gave one away. We strengthened our attack, but could not score any more goals, while Shakhtar managed to tie with us. We were seeking a better outcome. We positioned the players on the field in such a way that we could create more pressure, but at 3-2 we weren’t controlling the game that well. In some aspects, we were too much in a hurry. Shakhtar felt more comfortable. We are happy when we win, but this didn’t work.
- Do you consider this season a failure in European competitions? Why did you rely on Dyego Sousa? Why did Vinicius stay on the bench?
- This is my decision. Yes, we have ambition. We failed to make it further from the Champions League group stage.
- In the recent 8 games, Benfica conceded 14 goals. How can you explain this? What happens to defence?
- We know and are trying to solve those problems. We score, but soon concede goals. Both against Shakhtar and Braga, we had fantastic first halves and could score more before the break. We equalized vs Porto, but shortly before the break we got a penalty. As for the goals conceded, we must see the problem, identify it, and continue to work. Our energy will now be directed to domestic competitions: on Monday, we have the first of 12 league finals, and at the end of the season we’ll have the Cup final. Plus, there will be more time between matches to improve some aspects and to develop.
- We saw white handkerchiefs in the stands ... After getting out of the Europa League, do you feel that your managerial position is in danger?
- There are two things that neither me nor you can avoid. Do you know which ones? The first is death. The second is taxes. And a coach also has the third one - dismissal. This is our life.
- Does the fact that all four Portuguese clubs got out of the European competitions deserve attention?
- I'm thinking about us. We played well in the first half and had to maintain control. However, we didn’t do so and gave some opportunities to the opponents who went further.
- Do you consider this season a failure in European competitions? Why did you rely on Dyego Sousa? Why did Vinicius stay on the bench?
- This is my decision. Yes, we have ambition. We failed to make it further from the Champions League group stage.
- In the recent 8 games, Benfica conceded 14 goals. How can you explain this? What happens to defence?
- We know and are trying to solve those problems. We score, but soon concede goals. Both against Shakhtar and Braga, we had fantastic first halves and could score more before the break. We equalized vs Porto, but shortly before the break we got a penalty. As for the goals conceded, we must see the problem, identify it, and continue to work. Our energy will now be directed to domestic competitions: on Monday, we have the first of 12 league finals, and at the end of the season we’ll have the Cup final. Plus, there will be more time between matches to improve some aspects and to develop.
- We saw white handkerchiefs in the stands ... After getting out of the Europa League, do you feel that your managerial position is in danger?
- There are two things that neither me nor you can avoid. Do you know which ones? The first is death. The second is taxes. And a coach also has the third one - dismissal. This is our life.
- Does the fact that all four Portuguese clubs got out of the European competitions deserve attention?
- I'm thinking about us. We played well in the first half and had to maintain control. However, we didn’t do so and gave some opportunities to the opponents who went further.