"Eager to play a good game and earn the 3 points"

PREVIEW

Dahl was the spokesman for Benfica, before hosting Bayer Leverkusen next Wednesday, November 5 at 8 pm, at Estádio da Luz, on Matchday 4 of the Champions League.

"We know it will be a very tough game, which is really important for us, but we are all looking forward to it and we will win it, for sure", said the left-back at Benfica Campus.

Analyzing an opponent that will require all players to be "110% ready" and to "play at their best and highest level",  Dahl left a guarantee: "Everyone is excited and ready to play."

To defeat the German team, Estádio da Luz will play a very important role, as it brings "a lot of joy" whenever the Eagles play there, thanks to the atmosphere created by the red fans.

"I want everyone to be there. When they [the Benfica fans] give us the support they always give us, it's incredible to play there", said the No. 26.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Alejandro Grimaldo, former Benfica player and left-back – the position occupied by Dahl on the pitch – reigns supreme. The Swedish international recalled the "great and beautiful history" written by the Spaniard at Luz, revealing that he is an example and that he also wants to follow in his footsteps with the eagle on his chest.

"I work every day to leave my mark", he said.

Last Saturday, November 1, in Guimarães, the Swedish international defender scored the second goal in Benfica's 0-3,  victory and, at the same time, scored his first goal in his senior career. A milestone that the 22-year-old left-footed player describes as "very important and happy."

"A goal makes you happy and, of course, more confident. I waited a long time for that moment, and it finally happened. So I'm very proud. After the goal, I was very happy — as you could probably see in the photos and videos — and I hope there will be more and that it will give me even more confidence. I feel great", revealed Dahl.

In this match against Bayer Leverkusen at Estádio da Luz, what kind of opponent do you expect to face?

We expect a very good team. We know it will be a very tough game, a very important game, which we have to win. Everyone is eager to play well and get the three points.

How do you feel about working with José Mourinho? What differences can you see now? What does the new coach bring to you?

First of all, he's very good. I'm very happy about that. He has given me a lot of confidence since he arrived. I feel more confident and very appreciated here. I played in the last few games, in which we played very well. For my part, I feel much more confident, and that has been important in playing well.

Álvaro Carreras transferred from Benfica to Real Madrid. Is it difficult to be Carreras' substitute?

He left a good mark at Benfica, but I am — and will continue to be — focused on myself, seeking to develop as much as possible, always, in training and in games. All of this makes me want to achieve more, always, without putting extra pressure on myself. I feel the responsibility, and I want to show Benfica fans and everyone else that I can also leave my mark on the Club.

How did you react when you were benched against Newcastle? Was it a surprise for you?

No, we know that every game has different opponents, different tactics, and everything else related to the game. During the week, we saw that I might not play, and that was the case. The coach and I had a good conversation about the game. They are a very physical team, we knew it would be a very physical game. That's part of it.