"We are focused on winning"

Gonçalo Oliveira, Benfica's center back, sees the team as “confident” in what they have to do, reminding everyone that the Eagles “have to win” the match against Auckland City on matchday 2 of Group C of the 2025 Club World Cup, as he stated in the mixed zone preview of the match in Orlando.

What are your expectations for this game against Auckland City?

Expectations are high for tomorrow's game [Friday]. We are focused on winning, the group is united, and we are confident in what we are going to do. What matters is victory.

Is there a notion that goals can make the difference in this group, and that it is necessary to score many goals?

What really matters to us is winning, playing well, growing as a team, and creating more opportunities than we did in the first game. And, as I was saying, what really matters is winning.

Does FC Porto's defeat [against Inter Miami] serve as a serious warning for Benfica?

Here, what matters to us is our club, Benfica, the match against Auckland City, and we are focused on winning.

How do they find motivation, knowing the huge difference in quality between these two teams? It's a team that lost 10-0 to Bayern Munich in their first game.

We must respect all the teams participating in the Club World Cup. If they are here, it is because they are good, and we must respect that. We must do what we are supposed to do, which is to win the game. Therefore, using our strengths and working together as a team, we will do everything we can to win.

How has it been working with Otamendi? Would you like the captain to stay for another year?

It has been fundamental to work with these players, guys who I probably used to follow when I was younger, and now it's a dream come true for me and for all the youth players who are here. As for the future, only Otamendi and Benfica know what will happen.

How do you view this recognition by the coach of the young players in the youth academy?

Yes, it's always nice to get recognition for your work, but you always have to keep your feet firmly on the ground, because nothing is certain. But, as I was saying, for us it's a dream come true just to be here, and we have to keep working so that, if the opportunity arises, we'll be ready for it.