It was a 100 percent penalty, not 50 percent, I don’t understand how the incident was not reviewed. The German coach commented this way, to Eleven, on the 0-1 defeat to Inter in the Champions League. [expander_maker id=”1″ ]It was a balanced first half, we had good moments, good transitions, but we didn’t make the best decisions. But there was also a lack of luck, we had a penalty that is 100 percent penalty, not 50 percent, I don’t understand how the incident was not reviewed. In the second half, they took control, crossed a lot, were very difficult to defend against and scored a goal. In the end, they deserved to win because they had more opportunities and were stronger than us. Schmidt responded to questions in a press conference afterward.
Did Benfica deserve more in this game?
Inter deserved to win the game, they created more opportunities. In the first half, we played well, had some clear goal-scoring opportunities, but in the second half, everything changed. Our goalkeeper had a good performance, but I think they had too many chances and won too easily. But they only scored one goal and we tried everything until the end.
Benfica disappeared in the second half. What happened? Was it related to the injuries to Bah and Di María? And what’s wrong with Di María?
When we play against a team like Inter, we know that we can expect difficulties, but I think with the players we put on the field, our speed, we had good attacking moments, but we lacked better decisions up front. But yes, it’s true, after Bah’s injury and with the entry of Tomás Araújo, the team needed to readjust. Bah couldn’t train yesterday, he had a problem with his foot that has been dragging on for some time. He was able to play until now, but not today. As for Aursnes, we made a change because I wanted him as a number 10, as the right side of Inter is very strong, with good wingers in the air. We needed a player good in the air, Tomás is fast, good in duels. And I think it was the right choice. And then Di María. The truth is that if Aursnes had scored that goal, the story of the game could have been different. Di María? He has a muscle injury.
You made many changes in the lineup. Do you still consider the strategy was good?
We decided to field a more mobile and faster attack, without a classic number 9 up front, and I believe we were successful in some moments. We needed to manage and decide better when we had the ball, but I was pleased with the performance in the first half. We were stable in defense and creating opportunities, so yes, I think the approach to this game was good.
Are the games against Real Sociedad crucial in the Champions League?
Yes. We have zero points and no goals, so the next games are definitely very important and decisive.
Do you see Inter capable of winning the Champions League?
Right now, we are focused on the group stage… but Inter is strong, the key players from last season are still there, they have a lot of quality and weapons, both in the team and on the bench, anything is possible. If they do their job well, I would say they have good chances of winning the Champions League.
What did you think of Bernat’s debut?
It was time to give him minutes, he had no more issues, and I think he had a good game. He has a lot of international experience, and I hope he can help the team a lot.[/expander_maker]