Tondela coach Ivo Vieira sees his team’s upcoming League Cup quarterfinal clash against powerhouse Benfica not as a primary focus for silverware, but as a vital chance to boost team confidence, rotate his squad, and improve public perception amid a challenging season.
Vieira confirmed plans to make “natural changes” to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s match. He emphasized that many players are “working hard” and “crying,” in a good sense, for an opportunity to prove themselves.
The coach views the high-profile game at Estádio da Luz as a significant platform. He stated it is an “opportunity to reverse a little bit” the negative image from their recent league loss to Sporting.
Tondela’s main priority remains the league championship, where results have been poor. However, Vieira stressed the club will not “neglect other competitions,” including the League Cup.
Tondela previously faced Benfica in the league earlier this season. Vieira noted the team was still in a “premature phase” then, with new players integrating.
He acknowledged the “difficulties” Benfica will present. Benfica is a “team of great value,” individually and collectively, and accustomed to “fighting for titles.”
Vieira anticipates a “competent, competitive” Benfica side, regardless of any rotations their coach might make. He believes Benfica’s players will be “hungry to show their coach” they deserve a place in the starting eleven.
The Tondela coach stated his team must “run risks for the team to grow.” He believes this game can foster growth in “game dynamics.”
Vieira also spoke about the inspiration drawn from top-tier coaching talent, citing José Mourinho as an example of someone with an impressive title history. He described facing a coach of such caliber as “always motivating,” while clarifying he has no personal relationship with Mourinho.
Vieira addressed Tondela’s challenging schedule, which saw them play only three home games in their first ten this season. He dismissed it as an excuse, asserting the team must be “competitive, competent and fight for the result” regardless of venue.