Benfica set to make changes vs Hearts as Portuguese heavyweights set out their Tynecastle plan
The European giants don’t plan on downing tools for the second leg
Benfica boss Marco Silva insists the Hearts clash will be an ‘opportunity for everyone’ in his squad to show what they’re made of and that his side aren’t lacking motivation going to Tynecastle.
The two-time European champions thrashed the Jambos 6-1 at the Estadio de Luz in Lisbon last week. They now travel to Edinburgh with one foot already in the Europa League qualification play-off, allowing Silva to experiment with his squad somewhat. But while the former Everton and Fulham boss claims changes are to be expected, he also stresses that they’re going to Gorgie to win.
Notable Benfica starting XI omissions last week included a number of World Cup stars such as Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup, Colombia midfielder Richard Rios, Belgium winger Dodi Lukebakio and Bosnia defender Amar Dedic. Silva is now tasked with re-integrating these individuals back into the squad. Also on the bench was striking sensation Jhon Duran - who came on to score the fifth last week - but could be set for more than a 25 minute cameo at Tynecastle.
Silva on Benfica changes ahead of Tynecastle
Despite the heavy scoreline, As Aguias didn’t have it all their own way in the first leg as Portugal Under-21 international goalkeeper Samuel Soares was called upon numerous times. When asked if usual number one, Anatoliy Trubin is likely to return for the second leg, Silva responded via A Bola: “I'm not going to comment on who can or cannot play.
“You'll see tomorrow. But yes, it's an opportunity for everyone. It's important to see players competing. Players who have been accelerating in training, but not yet with the consistent intensity of a game. Tomorrow's game will also serve that purpose; there are players who deserve this opportunity and they will have it.”
The competition for places in the Benfica squad for the season ahead indicates they’ll still be all gun blazing at Tynecastle. Silva is expecting a ‘different’ atmosphere in Gorgie than in Lisbon but ensures his squad will be going into the game with the same mindset.
Benfica ready for ‘different’ second leg
He continued: “The games are always different. If it were the next day, it would already be different. We always aim for victory. The result gives us more confidence, of course, but without complacency. That would be the first step towards making mistakes, and we don't want to make mistakes. We want to be in the play-offs with two good results. We are already competing, but with players who arrived later and who still have to adapt to several things.
“When we wear the Benfica jersey and have this level of responsibility, motivation has to be something natural. The intensity with which we want to play comes a lot from training. Those who train well end up playing well, I strongly believe that. This motivation and demand are put into training daily. The result is quite significant because we did things well in the first game.”