Feyenoord landed in Lisbon on Tuesday, where they will continue their preparations for Wednesday night's Champions League clash against SL Benfica. As usual, the final training and press conference are scheduled at the stadium a day before the match, as was the case at Estádio da Luz on Tuesday. On behalf of Feyenoord, head coach Brian Priske and striker Igor Paixão joined to look ahead in front of the travelling and local media.
Three months ago, Feyenoord were also guests at the Portuguese giants' impressive home ground, although that was a visit to quickly forget. An exhibition match to conclude the training camp was lost without a chance: 5-0. Of course, Priske was asked about the game back then, but the coach did not want to dwell on it too long. 'Both teams are in a completely different position than back then. So tomorrow we will play with a completely different team.'
Rather, the coach pointed to the development his side has gone through since then, especially in recent weeks. For example, Feyenoord won the last three games. 'We are in a good period. I see us getting better and better in recent weeks, including in tactical elements. The players are growing and know better and better what is asked. Saturday's 0-4 against Go Ahead Eagles was an example of that.'
‘I am positive, although at the same time I know we still have a lot to improve,’ continued Priske, who is obviously also familiar with the strength and qualities of the next opponent. 'Benfica is a top-class team. They have won six in a row, play good football and destroyed Atlético Madrid in the previous Champions League match.'
That does not mean, according to the coach, that Feyenoord face a hopeless mission in Lisbon. 'We have great respect for Benfica and will have to take a lot of account of their strength on the pitch tomorrow night. On the other hand, we also have quality and I believe we can hurt them too.'
Priske is counting on Gernot Trauner, who returned to the starting line-up in Deventer on Saturday and made an extremely solid impression. The Austrian is fit and can also start again on Wednesday, according to the coach. On Hugo Bueno, who dropped out early against Go Ahead: ‘Hugo is still recovering, but has travelled with us and will train with us. Hopefully his foot will respond well to that and he can play.'
Benfica - Feyenoord will be played Wednesday night at 21:00 (20:00 Portuguese time) and can be seen live on Ziggo Sport.