Fenerbahce vs Benfica - Bruno Lage

In the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg tomorrow against Fenerbahçe, Portuguese side Benfica’s head coach Bruno Lage stated that their goal is to secure an advantageous result.

Speaking at a press conference held at Chobani Stadium, the Portuguese coach said his team had made a strong start to the season and wanted to continue that momentum. He emphasized that they want to keep looking forward and give credit to the players’ performances so far.

“The victories we have achieved so far were earned by the players, and they returned from vacation immediately ready for this competitive level. I am satisfied with their performances and the results. The most important thing now is to maintain it,” said Lage.

When asked about rumors linking Kerem Aktürkoğlu with a transfer to Fenerbahçe, Lage responded: “What matters is the team game. What Kerem did last year was very important. It was also significant that he started this season with us.”

Lage also noted that Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho is the best coach from Setúbal, adding:
“It will be an interesting matchup. We are both from Setúbal, and I’ve known him for years. What matters now is not Bruno versus Mourinho, but Benfica versus Fenerbahçe. On both sides, the focus is this tie. Maybe we would have preferred to meet later, but I respect him greatly. We will do our best to go into the second leg with a good result and ultimately qualify for the Champions League.”

“Mourinho is not playing against Benfica”

Bruno Lage, recalling his friendship with Mourinho, said: “Twenty years ago, we used to joke with each other. He was winning the UEFA Cup while I was succeeding in the second division.”

He stressed that both contributed to Portuguese football as coaches and continued:
“I have great respect for Mourinho. My father admires him too. But tomorrow, our only task is to win and get through the play-offs. Tomorrow, two coaches and two good friends will face each other. But in my head and my staff’s head, the focus is only on the match. It will be Benfica, not Bruno, who must win. The match is between Benfica and Fenerbahçe. For both teams, this tie is extremely important. Mourinho is not playing against Benfica – Fenerbahçe is. In my opinion, the chances are 50-50. It’s a crucial game for both sides.”

On being reminded that the two sides previously met in Portugal during the Eusébio Cup, Lage remarked:
“When we played in the Eusébio Cup, we didn’t know we would face each other in the play-offs. It wasn’t a very tactical match. But for this game, what matters more than the opponent’s strategy is what we must do ourselves.”

On Turkish clubs’ transfer market activity, Lage commented:
“As far as I follow Turkish football, the salaries Turkish clubs pay cannot be matched by any Portuguese club.”

“There was an offer”

Responding to questions about Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s alleged transfer to Fenerbahçe, Lage admitted:
“There was an offer. During the transfer window, Kerem Aktürkoğlu or any other player can receive offers. But what matters for us is to continue our work. Right now, our and Kerem’s goal is to help Benfica.”

He emphasized the quality within the squad:
“We have many good players. Kerem had a long season last year. He started this one well-prepared. He even changed his shirt number. He started the season at Benfica happily and has shown very good performances. Whether it’s Kerem or others, the most important thing right now is tomorrow’s game. It’s only August, and we know we will play many matches.”

Finally, Lage acknowledged the Fenerbahçe fans’ impact:
“We know their fans will create a great atmosphere for their team. But we are used to such atmospheres as well.”