Botelho da Costa says recovery time is Moreirense’s first big opponent before Benfica | OneFootball

Botelho da Costa has highlighted the short turnaround as Moreirense prepare to host Benfica on Wednesday at 20:45, calling the recovery window their main concern.

Following Friday’s 2-1 defeat at Porto’s Estádio do Dragão, Moreirense return for a rearranged fixture against the Lisbon side. According to Glorioso 1904, the coach described time and recovery as an extra handicap and said intensity must exceed the last outing if they are to be competitive.

He urged the home crowd to get behind the team and stressed the ground is Moreirense’s, adding that, despite the difficulties, they are eager for a positive result.

With his players unaccustomed to playing every three days, he argued the first task is to match Benfica physically before trying to edge the contest with strategy. He noted the game’s growing physicality and aggression, reflected in recruitment, and the need to read matches well tactically.

João Veloso, on loan from Benfica, is unavailable, and Guilherme Liberato is suspended after his red card against Porto. The manager also expects the tactical challenge to differ markedly from the one they faced against the champions.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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