Benfica's Jorge Jesus and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ezequiel-Garay-c13071 not taking Otelul Galati lightly – Primeira Liga News
Jorge Jesus’ Benfica travel to Galati, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Romania-c2990, on September 27, 2011, to face Otelul Galati for their second Champions League group stage game of the season.
Jesus and Ezequiel Garay are not taking Otelul Galati lightly and remain wary of the threat the Romanian giants pose, especially as they are playing at home side for this one.
The Reds have already proven their credentials by quelling the threat of Manchester United at Estadio da Luz two weeks ago and this time will be looking to secure all three points.
Galati host the in-form Portuguese side, albeit not in their own 13,500 capacity Stadionul Oțelul but in National Arena.
Despite backing from the home crow, many have deemed the encounter as a mere formality and expect Benfica to cruise to victory.
However, Otelul Galati coach, Dorinel Munteanu, has commented on the situation, saying that while his team are the underdogs and face an arduous task against the Eagles, they will try their best to gain a result.
Thinking along the same lines is Benfica manager, Jesus, who has reiterated that they must not take their UEFA Champions League opponents lightly and remain focused on the match.
Speaking to reporters, the 57-year-old said that his side could easily get complacent before the tie and that could end up haunting them in the future.
"It's not difficult to focus the players for this game. We have the same concentration that we had with Manchester United and give Otelul Galati much respect,” he said.
Ezequiel Garay also backed his boss and said that all the games they play are tough tasks and they have to be fully prepared to quell the threat of their opponents, whether they are rookies in the competition or not.
"All matches are tough, but we've prepared for this one as we usually do - with total commitment and without taking into consideration that our opponents are debutants or a team like Manchester United.”
The former Real Madrid man also said that they are targeting nothing other than a win at National Arena and will go into the match with the same mentality.
“Otelul want this as well, but our http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 is to play well and win. That's why we are here,” Garay was quoted as saying.
Benfica take on Otelul Galati at the National Arena on September 27.
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