Benfica coach Roger Schmidt spoke about the period of days between matches that will decrease as the team enters the group stage of the Champions League this week, expressing a reluctance to this aspect in the high competition.
“We have to accept, in a sense, that football is big business. After all, we benefit from it. However, I am one of those who say that we do not have to agree to everything because of this. The breaks for the players are not long enough. The value of the games is lost a little. Schmidt said in statements to the German magazine Kicker issued on Sunday that from my point of view it should be reduced, not increased.
The Benfica coach, with a final drop in matches, will accept a drop in the millions of euros circulating in football. “Honestly, you make a lot of money in football. I don’t think it’s necessary anymore.”
The Reds coach, who last Tuesday received Maccabi Haifa in the first round of the Champions League group stage, also spoke of the signing of Julian Draxler, comparing the situation with Mario Gotze, the player who worked with him in Eindhoven and who was like that. He even referred to Benfica. Schmidt explained that there is no behind-the-scenes method for transfers, but rather a sporting decision.
“We did not hire Julian Draxler because he worked well with Mario Gotze in Eindhoven, but because we are completely convinced of him. He is a great player who gives us more flexibility in attack.”
The German coach was still happy in the first few weeks in Lisbon. “When the call arrived, it was clear to me. He replied: It is an honor for me to be able to train at a club like this.”
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