Nélson Veríssimo expects that the return against Ajax in the eighth finals of the Champions League will be an open match. The Benfica trainer calls Ajax a strong opponent with a lot of quality, but is convinced that his team is capable of reaching the quarter-finals of the billion-dollar ball.
”There are two teams facing each other who like to have ball possession and try to make up the game”, says Veríssimo during the press conference in the run-up to the return against Ajax. “I expect that Ajax will start the match strongly, we have to be attentive to that. Ajax can be strong offensively, but they also have weaknesses and we have to take advantage of that. We are very confident and believe we can reach the next round.”
For Veríssimo, playing on the counter is not an option. “We have to recognize that they have quality and therefore recognize the moments when we can strike. However, we cannot bet on the counterattack. We have to make the most of the qualities of our players. We also have to make sure that our defensive organization is in very good shape. We conceded two goals in the Estádio da Luz, but we were strong in many phases, and we have to take that into the return.
Striker Darwin Nuñez, who was also present at the press conference, is also confident in a victory for Benfica. “We have analyzed the previous match against Ajax and we hope to achieve a positive result in Amsterdam so that we can go to the quarterfinals. With the mentality of the 2nd half during the first leg and with a different attitude than during the first half, it will be fine, then I am sure we will reach the next round.” Veríssimo traveled to Amsterdam with a selection of 25 players. Nicolás Otamendi, Gilberto and Roman Yaremchuk missed the league match against Vizela (1-1) last Friday, but will return in the match selection.
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