In the press conference ahead of Benfica's League Cup clash with Marítimo, manager Jorge Jesus spoke about defending the title and various other topics including the decision to register Capdevila over Enzo Pérez in the Champions League and the signing of Yannick Djaló.

"Marítimo are a side who have shown quality in our league and at this moment they have every intention in staying in the League Cup. The game on Sunday will decide who qualifies for the semi-final."

"They are a difficult team to play against but Benfica have been very strong recently and more so in the Estádio da Luz. We believe we will qualify from this group. Benfica always play to win every competition they are in, especially in Portugal. Given that we have won the last three League Cup editions we need to defend this title."

"I will be making some changes to the team because it's important to me to have every player in the same level as the rest."

Jorge Jesus' side require at least a draw to top Group B and qualify for the semi-finals of the Portuguese League Cup where they are likely to meet FC Porto.

"I would really enjoy to talk about that scenario but first we need to defeat Marítimo and only then we will see who are opponents will be. Not that I don't want to answer but there are no 'ifs' in football. Just like us, FC Porto have not guaranteed their place in the semi-final."

Motivation to play for Benfica
"Enzo lost a lot of time and fitness so he has been given specific training. We hope in a few days he will be training with the squad but he isn't in any condition to be included in the Champions League."

"A place for the inclusion of a foreign player became available and Capdevila was chosen."

"Capdevila was always fit to play, but as a manager it's up to me to decide when he should or shouldn't play, just like I do with every player. He has a rich footballing past but at the moment is playing for Benfica who are one of the top teams in Europe."

"If any Benfica player who isn't motivated to play - it's best they change career."

Yannick Djaló
"Yannick is somewhat a different type of player that we have in the squad, speed is his great quality. We have superior technical players in the wings who aren't as fast, excluding Gaitán."

"Benfica have a scouting network all over Portugal and the world looking for new talent. But it's me who makes the decisions as to who makes the team."

"We will work with Yannick to improve his tactical and technical side of the game. He has qualities which satisfy me and is one more for the squad."

Jorge Jesus calls new signing Yannick Djaló for Benfica's League Cup Group B match against Marítimo tomorrow at the Estádio da Luz.

Defenders Luisão and Emerson are unavailable due to injuries whilst number one keeper Artur has been replaced with Portugal under-21 stopper Mika.

SL Benfica x CS Marítimo kicks-off Sunday 5th February at 20:30 GMT and need a draw to qualify to the semi-final.

The 19 players called up are:

Goalkeepers: Eduardo and Mika
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Garay, Miguel Vítor, Capdevila and Jardel
Midfielders: Javi García, Witsel, Bruno César, Pablo Aimar, Nicolás Gaitán, André Almeida, Yannick Djaló and Nolito
Forwards: Cardozo, Rodrigo, Nélson Oliveira and Saviola

Ruben Amorim has put pen to paper on a contract extension which will keep him linked to Benfica until 2013/14.

However, the versatile player will be immediately loaned for the next 18 months to SC Braga in north Portugal, where he joins former colleague and Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.

Amorim was target of disciplinary action when sour words were exchanged with manager Jorge Jesus. Although he has since apologised to the fans and club for his mistakes and looks forward to returning.

Summary of Ruben Amorim's declarations
After meeting with the President today, we have resolved my disciplinary process issue and I understand why it was sanctioned to me.

I will take this opportunity at SC Braga and I know Benfica still count on me due to my contract extension.

I apologise to my colleagues and Benfica fans if I ever disappointed them, but I would like to affirm of the pride I have had every time I played in this shirt and with all the success for the rest of the season.

Lisboa, 30th January 2012
Ruben Amorim


Original statement


> Also read
Transfers page

Benfica officially announced last night the signing of 25-year-old Portuguese player Yannick Djaló on a 4 and a half year deal.

The former Sporting CP forward was a free agent after his move to French side Nice for €6m broke down last summer.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica SAD agreed a deal with one time capped Portuguese International until season 2015/16.

Yannick Djaló, who is yet to play a competitive match this season, is now available at the orders of Jorge Jesus.

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Benfica come from behind to take all points against a difficult opponent in Santa Maria da Feira.

The Portuguese league denied Farense to play in their adopted stadium in Aveiro and the side returned to their home precinct, which has a capacity of just over 5,000. This resulted in high prices which many Benfica fans decided to boycott.

Jesus left Gaitán and Nolito on the bench, and lined up the first team with Cardozo and Rodrigo up front supported by Aimar, Bruno César and Witsel. Javi García provided cover for the usual back line.

Feirense, who took points away from the other 'big two' were never going to make it easy for Benfica. They hit the post on the 14th minute and were making things difficult for Jesus' side.

The important action points were all recorded in the second-half. Feirense had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside but made up for it by scoring a minute later with a header from Varela.

The Feirense man was set to make the headlines when he put the ball in his own net and later brought down Rodrigo inside the area for Cardozo to convert.

Rodrigo could have put the game to bed but was denied by Paulo Lopes in the dying seconds, the Feirense keeper had frustrated the young striker all night.

Planet Benfica's Key Players: Rodrigo

Date: Saturday 28th January 2012, 20:30 GMT PT/UK (21:30 CET)
Venue: Estádio Marcolino de Castro, Santa Maria da Feira
Competition: Liga Zon Sagres Matchday 17
Referee: Rui Manuel Costa (A.F. Porto)
Assistant Referees: Serafim Nogueira, Nuno Manso
Fourth Referee: Hugo Pacheco
Attendance:
Weather: Clear 9°C - Humidity: 66% Wind: N 5mp/h @ 19:30 GMT
TV: TVI

FEIRENSE - Paulo Lopes; Pedro Queirós, Luciano (c), Varela and Mika (André Fontes 85'); Hélder Castro (Cris 64'), Stopira and Thiago; Ludovic, Bastien Buval and Diogo Cunha
Subs: Douglas, William, Miguel Pedro, Cris, Diogo Rosado, Siaka Bamba and André Fontes
Coach: Quim Machado

BENFICA - Artur; Maxi Pereira, Luisão (c), Garay and Emerson; Javi García; Witsel, Aimar (Nolito 60') and Bruno César (Gaitán 60'); Rodrigo and Cardozo (Matic 90')
Subs: Eduardo, Miguel Vítor, Nolito, Gaitán, Matic, Saviola and Nélson Oliveira,
Coach: Jorge Jesus

Disciplinary action: Yellow card to Thiago (11'), Javi García (35'), Artur (57'), Varela (71'), Ludovic (71') and Maxi Pereira (82')

Highlights: Click here to watch first-half highlights
Photos: High quality images from match here

Jorge Jesus gave his views in the press conference ahead of Benfica's Liga Zon Sagres Jornada 17 match away to Feirense.

"We want to continue making a difference together with Benfica fans. We know Feirense's stadium has little capacity but we want our fans to make the difference so that the players respond in the pitch by playing well and winning the three points."

"None of the 'big' teams have played in this stadium and Feirense has already taken points off FC Porto by playing in Aveiro. These are all factors we need to take into account and respect our opponent."

"Ideally I would have liked to have played in Aveiro because it is a stadium with a lot more capacity in terms of spectators. Theoretically this would have been an advantage for us but we will play in Santa Maria da Feira with pleasure."

Jesus expects difficulties
"It will be a tough game because the Liga isn't easy. Feirense were a daring side when the came to the Luz and we will face a motivated side. Feirense won't facilitate the game for us."

"There won't be much space in the game and they will certainly pressure us but we have our strategy for this encounter."

Jorge Jesus named his 19-man squad for tomorrow's Liga Zon Sagres Jornada 17 match against CD Feirense.

Benfica face promoted side Feirense at the Estádio Marcolino de Castro with just one change from the previous selection, which sees Portuguese defender Miguel Vítor in Jardel's place.

In the unavailable list continue Enzo Pérez (injury) and Ruben Amorim (disciplinary action).

CD Feirense x SL Benfica kicks-off Saturday 28th January at 20:30 GMT.

The 19 players called up are:

Goalkeepers: Artur and Eduardo
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Garay, Luís Martins, Miguel Vítor and Emerson
Midfielders: Javi García, Matic, Witsel, Bruno César, Pablo Aimar, Nicolás Gaitán and Nolito
Forwards: Cardozo, Rodrigo, Nélson Oliveira and Saviola

In the post-match conference following Benfica's 3-1 win over Gil Vicente manager Jorge Jesus praised the opponents for their determination but considered a deserved three-points for the home side.

"We had the same intensity and quality as other games in the first 45 minutes. Our opponent closed down the space very well, they defended and caused us problems. This was all due to Gil Vicente's merit and not because of Benfica's faults. The intensity in which we play our games tires the other team and it become easier to play in the second half."

"Gil Vicente are to be congratulated because they disputed the game well but Benfica deserved to win."

Gaitán
"Gaitán played very well but we needed a different style of movement upfront to get behind Gil Vicente's line. Nico was substituted but it might as well have been Nolito. As long as he was on the pitch, he played well."

Title
"We have to take it a game at a time. Benfica and Porto could lose points at any moment during the season. Just like Benfica, Braga still have a word to say."

Forward Rodrigo was the author of Benfica's second goal against Gil Vicente which paved way for three more points at the Estádio da Luz against Gil Vicente.

"It was an important victory in a difficult game. Gil Vicente came here with a clear idea on holding the result. Our team did an excellent job and the victory was more than deserved."

"The support from the fans has been key for us, especially in the last two games at home [Setúbal and Gil Vicente]. They are an extra force of strength for us and need to be congratulated."

The Spanish under-21 forward rejected claims that Benfica started the game under pressure as rivals Porto had temporarily taken the lead after their win against Guimarães.

"No. We have very experienced players who are used to these type of situations. Playing for Benfica already means pressure."

"We aren't worried about any of our opponents. We only think about our work and need to continue this way to achieve our objectives."

"All the players are united and the atmosphere in the back room is very positive. We all have a great desire to help the team achieve the collective goals."

Benfica survived a scare against Gil Vicente and continue on top of the Liga Zon Sagres with another home win.

Pablo Aimar was left on the bench as he just returned from injury. The manager opted to start with Gaitán, Nolito, Javi and Witsel in midfield, support the forward men composed of Cardozo and Rodrigo.

Benfica took nearly 20 minutes for their first attempt on target even though they were bossing possession. Gil Vicente's tactic was to bet on the counter attack and it nearly paid off with Richard's close range shot had to be blocked by Maxi Pereira.

But it was Benfica who took the lead on the half hour. Nolito's free kick was headed in by Cardozo and the Paraguayan increased his tally to 12 league goals this season.

The opposition were lucky when they equalised 5 minutes from half-time. Galo's shot form outside the area hit the top corner to Artur's surprise.

The «encarnados» were finding it difficult but everything became a little easier when Aimar was brought on for the below-par Gaitán. The Argentine worked his magic in midfield and his pass released Rodrigo for a shot on goal. The Spanish u-21 International had his shot deflected but he was merited with the goal.

Aimar was then himself on the scoresheet when he played a 'long' one-two with Nolito and put the ball past Adriano.

This victory means Benfica continue on top of the league, two points ahead rivals Porto.



Planet Benfica's Key Players: Nolito and Aimar

Date: Sunday 22nd January 2012, 20:15 GMT PT/UK (21:15 CET)
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisboa
Competition: Liga Zon Sagres Matchday 16
Referee: Marco Ferreira (A.F. Madeira)
Assistant Referees: Sérgio Serrão, Nelson Moniz
Fourth Referee: Nuno Almeida
Attendance: 43,214
Weather: Clear 15°C - Humidity: 82% Wind: NW 9mp/h @ 18:30 GMT
TV: Sport TV

BENFICA - Artur; Emerson, Garay, Luisão (c) and Maxi Pereira; Javi García (Bruno César 69'), Witsel, Nolito and Gaitán (Pablo Aimar 56'); Rodrigo (Luís Martins 89') and Cardozo
Subs: Eduardo, Luís Martins, Jardel, Bruno César, Aimar, Nélson Oliveira and Saviola
Coach: Jorge Jesus

GIL VICENTE - Adriano; Daniel (c) (Guilherme 75'), Halisson, Cláudio and Júnior Caiçara; André Cunha, Luís Manuel (Yero 80') and Pedro Moreira; Rodrigo Galo, Hugo Vieira (Roberto 85') and Richard
Subs: Jorge Batista, Paulão, Mauro, Guilherme, Tó Barbosa, Yero and Roberto
Coach: Paulo Alves

Disciplinary action: Yellow card to Daniel (53'), André Cunha (70'), Rodrigo (88')

Highlights: Click here to watch match highlights
Photos: High quality images of the game here