Benfica defender António Silva expressed confidence in his team’s ability to turn around their winless start, even after a decisive 3-0 loss to Newcastle United highlighted an intensity gap against Premier League opposition.
The Portuguese international’s remarks followed Benfica’s recent defeat, leaving the squad with zero points. Silva, speaking to Sport TV, stressed that “15 points are in dispute,” insisting the team “know it’s possible and we have the capacity to do it.”
He underscored the high expectations within the club, stating, “We know the club’s demands.”
Silva acknowledged the game’s turning point, admitting the team “felt very much” Newcastle’s second goal, which he said made a comeback “difficult.”
The defender also pointed to a “difference in pace” between the teams, attributing it to the intensity of Newcastle’s domestic league. “The intensity of the championship makes a difference,” Silva noted.
He described Newcastle as a “typically British team” that “creates danger from set pieces.”
Despite the final score, Silva believed Benfica had a strong start to the match. He cited “two or three opportunities to make it 1-0” and felt the team went into halftime “unfairly” trailing.
However, he conceded that the second half “is what it is” and called the 3-0 outcome a “heavy result.”
Silva also commented positively on teammate Tomás Araújo’s performance, noting his “positive impact” and good adaptation.