Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
You may recall a couple of months ago I sat down with Ricardo Soares – @RicardoWSTldn – a football coach & top chef in London who I know from my contacts in football and got his take on Manchester United’s past European clashes with Benfica, who he supports.
The interview which I’d recommend to read again was a good one and I said to Ricardo afterwards that if United drew Benfica in the Champions League this season, we’d have to do another interview. You may recall as well that I correctly predicted us to get Benfica in the group-stages and a couple of days after the draw was done, I got Ricardo’s take on the draw.
Firstly what were your thoughts on the group draw and do you feel confident about going through?
It’s a fantastic group, well fantastic for both Benfica and United, both are favourites to go through, with me hoping Benfica finish top. However we know there are no easy games in the Champions League, new boys Galati are unknown to many and Basle have a decent group of players.
What does it mean for Benfica to be drawn against Manchester United, who are the top-ranked side in Europe according to UEFA’s club coefficient over the last 5 seasons?
It means we have to work a bit harder to beat one of the best clubs in recent years, it will be two games the players will strive to win. We all know that Benfica can beat English sides in recent years and I guess that will count to some inspirational boost.
What can United fans going to the game in Lisbon expect the atmosphere to be like at the Estadio da Luz if they have not been before? What sets it apart from other stadiums across Europe?
The Cathedral will surely be full, the crowd in high spirits, loud and inspiring to the players. Players always mention how the crowd inspires them with the chants and the support, they sing mostly about Benfica being champions and one of the songs is so inspirational it moves players.
The fans like in some other European countries will wave massive flags which are rarely seen in the premiership, most flags will be Benfica symbols, or others with old and current players. Also Benfica have an Eagle that fly around the stadium before every home game her name is Vitoria which means Victory, and its also something that inspires players and motivates the crowd.
Who are your star players that United fans will need (as well as the team obviously) to keep an eye on over the two games?
The squad was bolstered this season, we have added some quality players specially in the attack. Nolito has been in good form since arriving from Barcelona with his goals and assists. Axel Witsel also arrived this summer from Liege and looks a very good player.
As a team Benfica are extremely dangerous going forward at times just needing that killer touch, which they had in the last few games. At the back Benfica look a bit vulnerable, but on a good night its hard to get past them and with new keeper Artur in from Braga this summer, it will be a hard task with the form he has been in.
What has your manager Jorge Jesus been like since he took over in 2009. Does he have a good relationship with the fans and if any new techniques or differences have he made to change your fortunes around both at home in Portugal and in Europe?
That’s not an easy question answer! Jesus was great in the first season when he won the league, last season we went to the semi final of the Europa League, but missed out on what I would say was lack of tactics at times.
He seems to know how to get the attacking tactics right but at times the lack of defensive tactics needed are missed. Jesus is at times not liked by a certain group of fans, feeling were high as the team trailed Porto last year by 21 points on the final day, which was very poor.
Who would you say is your best young player at the club? Is there anyone at your club who you feel has the potential or quality one day to become a star name in the Premier League or even at Old Trafford?
We currently have a great group of players, however I would like to see more Portuguese players in the squad. We have two bright young players just back from the U20s world cup, Nelson Oliveira and Goalkeeper Mika who both had outstanding reviews.
To tell you the truth I would rather see them retire at Benfica if they are good enough through out their careers!
How do you foresee the two games going between the sides and will you be going to either game?
I see both games ending in a victory each at their home grounds… at least I am hoping for Benfica to win both. I would love to attend both, and if I am able to get a ticket for the Old Trafford game then I will be attending that one.
And finally in one word will Benfica be going through to the Last 16?
YES!!!!
Thanks For That Ricardo!
By @ADennehey87
—
If you would like to be interviewed for our site or fancy contributing to our site, get in touch with us via the comments/contact section of our site or give us a tweet @WeAllFollowUtd.
