Daniel Bragança warns Eagles before Sporting v Benfica: We'll use that... | OneFootball

Before the derby against Benfica, scheduled for Sunday (6:00 pm) at the José Alvalade Stadium, Daniel Bragança acknowledged the importance of the match at a decisive stage of the season. In an interview with Betano, the Sporting midfielder made it clear that the team remains focused on the title race, despite Porto being top of the table.

"I think the journey so far has been very good, even if it hasn’t been perfect. Otherwise, we would be in first place. But of course the derby is always an important game for all Sporting fans and, on the other side, for all Benfica fans as well. Because it’s a derby where a lot is at stake. I think the journey so far has been very good, even if it hasn’t been perfect. Otherwise, we would be in first place. But of course the derby is always an important game for all Sporting fans and, on the other side, for all Benfica fans as well. Because it’s a derby where a lot is at stake," said the 'number 23'.

The midfielder also believes that home advantage could be decisive for Rui Borges’ side. "Without a doubt, home advantage is very important in these games. It makes the difference and we’re going to use that in our favour," he stressed, also highlighting the group’s internal atmosphere. "The message [in the dressing room] is usually given by the coach. We talk among ourselves as players. But above all, calmness. We already have many players who have played in a few derbies and have that experience. So the message doesn’t really need to be passed on, the boss will certainly do that. And the players do their job on a mental level, above all, so that we are prepared for these kinds of matches."

Now in his sixth consecutive season with the first team, Bragança highlighted the unity in the Sporting squad as one of the team’s strengths at this stage. "The group’s unity comes from previous years. What this group is all about is really well established — that unity — we get on very well and we’ve known each other for several years now. I think it gives us more confidence for what lies ahead. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of reaching the first team, playing at Alvalade, and doing that for so long gives me great pleasure and enormous pride in what I’ve achieved," he said.

The Portugal under-21 international was full of praise for the coach, with whom he has worked in recent seasons. "It’s been very good working with the boss. He has already shown his quality, we have been fighting for titles, we’ve already won the Portuguese Cup and the league, we’ve made history in the Champions League, we’re fighting for the title for another year, we’re still in the Cup, so we are fighting for trophies. The boss has given an excellent response game after game in terms of his quality. And we have responded to the boss’s ideas, which is important. And things have been going very well."

As for his role on the pitch, Bragança admits he feels more comfortable in midfield, but says he is available for other roles. "The position I identify with most is midfield, there as a number 8, which has always been my position. But I’ve also been playing further forward and I feel comfortable there too. I’m always available to play wherever the coach wants me. The important thing is to give my best. Scoring is always a different and special feeling. But assisting is good too, so I’d say both," explained the player, who has five goals and one assist in 16 matches this season.

Finally, the midfielder spoke about his return after a serious injury, assuring that he feels fully recovered. "Injury? I always felt integrated. Whether I was out or in, I already know the squad well, I’ve been here a long time and I never felt left out. I always felt part of it. It’s different being on the pitch or in the stands watching the games. I feel 100% integrated and I feel good," he concluded.

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