Benfica fans are furious about the change of a big name and the pelting of Schmidt
Friday, December 8, 2023 at 11:52 PM
Some of the Benfica supporters were not happy with Roger Schmidt on Friday evening. There were boos and whistles towards the German trainer after he decided to replace João Neves against Farense (1-1). Objects were even thrown at him, according to a video from the stands. However, Schmidt is not bothered by the criticism directed at him, as it became apparent afterwards at the press conference.
Schmidt decided to bring Neves on in the 64th minute, much to the dismay of Benfica supporters. The former PSV coach was whistled at and there were also boos in the Estádio da Luz. Footage shows Schmidt turning around as an angry visitor tries to throw pelts at him. In any case, he doesn’t seem impressed by the action.
The Benfica coach speaks clearly later at the press moment. “If Benfica needs a trainer who only changes as the fans want, no problem. Then I will step down and someone will replace me who may even be better than me,” he said with some cynicism.
“If I am really the problem here, I will give someone else the space to do better. I will think about that,” the firm Schmidt adds. The German also has a clear opinion about pelting. “Those people better stay home.”
“If you don’t like what we do here, just don’t come. Then come back when we are champions, then at least you have something to celebrate. If you don’t respect the team, the players or the coach, please stay home “, Schmidt tells the angry fans of the Portuguese top club.
Schmidt simply does not understand the dissatisfaction of his own supporters. “If we don’t play well, I understand that people are not satisfied. But today we gave everything and we had a lot of chances.”
“If we only fail in finishing, I really don’t understand the anger,” said the coach, who provides explanations about bringing Neves to the side. “I replaced Neves because we had to take more risks after the break, because we were behind. He didn’t do too bad, but we had to score a goal.” Rafa Silva saved a point for Benfica in the 71st minute.
Nr.TeamMWGVP1Sporting Portugal121011312Benfica13931303Sporting Braga13922294FC Porto12912285Vitória Guimarães12714226Moreirense12633217Farense13526178Famalicão12444169Boavista124351510Portimonense124261411Casa Pia123451312Estrela123361213Gil Vicente123271114Estoril123181015Rio Ave122461016Chaves123181017Vizela132471018Arouca122379
2023-12-08 22:52:00
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