Nicolas Gaitan targets focused cup performance for SL Benfica
SL Benfica's new signing Nicolas Gaitan has called for his team to be patient ahead of their cup tie against Arouca on Saturday.
The defending champions enter the cup against the second division side on the back of three straight wins in the league, but Gaitan, who joined Benfica from Boca Juniors this summer, said the game will not be easy.
"I expect this game to be like all the others. It will start at 0-0 and we have to be intelligent and play a good game so that we are not surprised," the playmaker told Benfica TV. "Today, easy games no longer exist. Just as I mentioned previously, we must
be patient, especially if we don't score early. We have to play with a clear head and the notion that we have 90 minutes to try and win the tie."
Gaitan has yet to score a goal for Jorge Jesus' side after making three league appearances.
The 22-year-old, who is tipped to break into the Argentinian national team after making three appearances for the senior squad, said his Spanish-speaking teammates have helped him settle in Lisbon.
"Without a doubt the fact that I have colleagues who speak Spanish has helped my adaptation. What also has helped me is the fact that my colleagues have a lot of football experience – to guide me onto the right path."
Will adapt his position to suit the team
Gaitan has been deployed in the centre and on the right of Benfica's midfield this season. The playmaker said he is willing to play anywhere to help his team.
"I feel better on the right and I don't have any problems playing on the left. What is most important is to help the coaches and the team."
After entering the Portuguese cup on Saturday, Benfica travel to face Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League on Wednesday, where they will hope to improve on the two defeats they have suffered so far in this year's tournament.
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