Benfica manager Rodger Schmidt and centre-back Nicolas Otamendi had very differing takes on the club’s Europa League draw with Rangers.
All is certainly not well in the Benfica camp as Rangers put in a spirited performance to take a 2-2 draw back to Ibrox from Lisbon in the competition’s Round of 16.
But with an enthralling second leg clash at Ibrox to come – Rangers’ ferocious stadium an advantage few have learned to live with – the reaction inside the Benfica camp is certainly mixed.
Roger Schmidt on Benfica v Rangers
After back-to-back defeats against old rivals Sporting Lisbon and then FC Porto, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt simply could not afford to lose this game.
Whilst the Portuguese side put in a creative display, only to be repeatedly thwarted by Jack Butland, had it not been for two defensive mistakes Rangers might’ve won the game.
This is not the view of the seemingly relaxed Roger Schmidt, who admitted “it wasn’t a good result” v Rangers despite his side playing “very well”.
“We played very well tonight,” said Schmidt. “On two occasions, the opponent scored two goals.
“We did very well in all phases of the game. It wasn’t easy, but despite everything, we played good football, created a lot of opportunities and we had to win this game.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t effective in the penalty area and as direct as we could have been. In the end, if we see the performance, I think we played very well.
“It wasn’t a good result, because we were much better than them, we had more opportunities. I think it’s the best possible outcome for the game’s story. We played very well and, normally, we have to win this game.”
Nicolas Otamendi doesn’t mince Europa League words
The comments of the Benfica manager Roger Schmidt are in stark contrast to that of Nicolas Otamendi, who lamented the standard of his side’s performance v Rangers.
Claiming that everyone at Benfica needs to cobble together to get through their latest rough patch, the defender believes the team were “not very good”.
“We are going through a not very good phase and the important thing is the unity of the group, being positive and looking forward,” said Otamendi.
“We have to get out of this (expletive) situation that we are unfortunately in.”
The difference in approach from Nicolas Otamendi and Roger Schmidt has drawn the ire of Benfica fans online, who are running out of patience with their manager.
With a tough trip to Ibrox on the horizon, a failure to overcome Rangers in the Europa League could see the Benfica boss pay the ultimate price.
