Benfica fans fuel André Lima's belief
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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André Lima lost the 2004 UEFA Futsal Cup final as an SL Benfica player; six years on as coach he aims to go one better with the support of the home fans in Lisbon, as he told UEFA.com.
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Six years ago André Lima was on the SL Benfica side that lost the old two-legged UEFA Futsal Cup final to Interviú Madrid. Now he is the Benfica coach and from Friday they host the new-style four-team finals at Lisbon's Pavilhão Atlântico, taking on Luparense C/5 in the last four with the chance to set up a rematch with Interviú. André Lima does not consider his side favourites but thinks Benfica's fans could certainly make the difference.
UEFA.com: Benfica will face Luparense in the semi-finals. What do you know about them?
André Lima: We know Luparense very well. They are a good team and I foresee an interesting match as I believe they will get as much information as they can on our team.
UEFA.com: Do you think home advantage makes Benfica favourites?
André Lima: We are a confident team and we are aware of our abilities. However, I do not consider us as the favourites to win this competition though we know that playing at home is important to us. The support of our fans – who are always behind us – could make the difference at certain moments. However I think Interviú remain favourites for logical reasons.
UEFA.com: What are Interviú's greatest strengths?
André Lima: We cannot forget that they are European champions and they will aim to defend the title. Their greatest weapon is the fact that they are used to playing in these competitions, not to mention the quality of their players.
UEFA.com: What does Benfica need in order to win this competition?
André Lima: We have quality and we know that our opponents respect us but honestly we have been very unlucky in competition finals recently. At times, the ball has hit our post and gone in while it has hit our opponents' goal and bounced out.
UEFA.com: You played in a final as a player. Do you dream of another appearance in the decider as a coach?
André Lima: I believe that for all I've achieved as a player at this great club, I will win as coach. To win the UEFA Futsal Cup is a legitimate ambition for Benfica – the players, the technical team and the directors who ensure the right conditions to win titles for the club.
