‘We expect a lot of intensity’ – Slegers previews Arsenal’s UWCL fixture against Benfica
Arsenal coach Renée Slegers says tonight’s opponent SL Benfica will be aggressive and intense in their play.
The Gunners traveled to Portugal ahead of their final match of the brand new UEFA Women’s Champions League league stage.
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Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Slegers explained that Benfica are an aggressive team who will bring a lot of intensity to the match.
“I played against them a few years ago,” Slegers said. “They are a very aggressive and intense team to play against. They have a psychological presence, if I can say so. They will be intense from that point of view as well. I think they believe in what they are doing.
“We are going to play in a big stadium, we are going to have people. We also have fans coming, which is great, so we expect a lot of intensity in the game, which we want to match and which we always want to bring too. We want to handle this in the right way and create control of the game for ourselves.”
Arsenal recorded their first win in a month by beating Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Slegers says the win helped boost morale ahead of the game against Benfica.
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She said: “Of course everyone is happy with the victory. We said three points was the most important thing that day. We did it together, so I’m very happy about that.
“I think we had a productive day of review with the players, with very good constructive results. We worked hard to prepare for the match against Benfica.”
Arsenal return to the city where they lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy last May. Slegers said the team is proud of their achievement and it helps build their belief and confidence.
She said: “Yes, I think we wear it with pride, we are very proud of it. What we achieved last year, it’s a long journey. We did so many great things during our Champions League journey last year. We are very, very proud but football is growing and developing quickly, there is so much competition, the teams are getting better and better. We also want to improve.
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“It definitely gives us confidence in what we’re capable of, but also a big learning from our success is that you have to be very, very humble about the change that’s happening and the opponents you’re going to face. You’re going to have to work really hard and that’s what we know we’re going to have to do in this game.”
Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League match at SL Benfica kicks off at 8 p.m.