Ahead of their visit to FC Bayern, Benfica coach Jorge Jesus spoke about how to deal with the Munich side and why he is willing to give up Nemanja Radonjic.
Lisbon have picked up just four points from their last three league games, playing to a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Estoril Praia at the weekend and slipping to third in the table. “Of course that leaves its mark,” admitted coach Jorge Jesus via “A Bola” before the game in Munich, but also said that this was now over and they were concentrating on Bayern.
The coach expects a difficult game at the Allianz Arena. “They will test us defensively, they are very strong in one-on-one,” Jesus said of Bayern, adding, “We have to be organised against this technically, tactically and physically strong opponent.” However, Jesus also addressed perceived weaknesses of the Munich side. “They defend riskily, with few players, that could benefit us. “
However, Benfica will be looking to counterattack in the Bavarian capital. The speedy Radonjic, however, can hardly hope to start from the beginning, although the Serb had been in the starting eleven in the past two games. Jesus also revealed why he wants to do without the former Herthaner (12 Bundesliga games, one goal): His defensive behaviour is simply not good enough.
But the Portuguese have not lost faith in themselves – and even the 0:4 in the first leg at home in Luz was not as bad as the result suggests. “I remember good moments, we played well in parts and had chances,” recalled defender Jan Vertonghen and stressed: “Benfica always play to win. We will do the same at Bayern.” But the Belgian also warned: “They are one of the best teams in the world and we have to play at our highest level.”
