António Simões certain before Ajax clash: Benfica have what it takes | OneFootball

António Simões believes that Benfica has what it takes to win. The former legend of the Clube da Luz was invited by the national press to preview the match against Ajax. Among various points of view, the ex-number 11 of the Eagles spoke about the fact that both teams are going through a rough patch.

In an interview with the newspaper Record, the former number 11 of Benfica began by recalling the history and tradition that mark the clashes between the two former European champions: “We are expecting it to be a great match, because of the tradition, prestige, and history of both clubs.”

“Not so much because of the current quality of both teams, which is lower. This is not disrespect, it’s just reality,” added António Simões, acknowledging that there has been a decrease in the talent present both in the squad of Benfica, led by José Mourinho, and in that of Fred Grim, interim coach of the Amsterdam club. Both teams are struggling in the Champions League.

Further on, the former two-time European champion with the red and whites points to the Clube da Luz as the most likely to achieve victory, recognizing that the Dutch are going through a very complicated phase: “Benfica has what it takes to win. Ajax is at the worst moment in its history.”

“Benfica needs a win and a good game to think about advancing to the next round, but also to give a boost of confidence to the players, who have not yet performed at their best,” António Simões added, as he previewed the clash between the Eagles and the Dutch, which will take place tomorrow, November 25, at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.