Benfica unscarred by Porto loss, says Jesus

AMSTERDAM (AFP) –

Benfica’s headcoach Jorge Jesus leads a training session at the Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam on May 14, 2013. Jesus says there will be no hangover from his side’s traumatic domestic loss to Porto when the Portuguese giants tackle Chelsea in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Amsterdam.

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus says there will be no hangover from his side’s traumatic domestic loss to Porto when the Portuguese giants tackle Chelsea in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Amsterdam.

Benfica’s hopes of claiming a first national league title since 2010 were seriously compromised by a 2-1 loss to their biggest rivals on Saturday; a defeat sealed by an injury-time goal that saw Jesus sink to his knees in disbelief.

The result put Porto in the title driving seat with only one round of league games to come, but Jesus says his players will have no trouble pushing the setback from their minds at the Amsterdam Arena.

“Our work has a lot of quality and a Portuguese league game, although very important, has nothing to do with the final of a European competition,” he said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

“It wasn’t very difficult to try and change the (players’) frame of mind, because the fact you’re here is a positive sign and creates a positive mindset for the players.

“They’re highly motivated for tomorrow to be at the highest level; technically, tactically, and in terms of emotional balance.”

Benfica approach Wednesday’s game accompanied by an unwelcome statistical quirk.

The Lisbon club have lost six successive continental finals since winning the last of their two European Cups in 1962 — coincidentally, in Amsterdam — but Jesus feels they are closing on a return to their former stature.

“Benfica is a club that, throughout its history, has had an excellent performance in terms of European club competitions,” he said.

“It created a name for itself, like Real Madrid and AC Milan, in the 60s and 70s. These were the teams in the most finals.

“It hasn’t been the same in recent history. But last year we reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. We’ve been in the semi-finals of the Europa League, so we’ve been recovering our international prestige.”

It is 51 years since Benfica last won a continental title and there is a living, breathing reminder of their past glories on the trip to the Netherlands in the form of their iconic record goal-scorer, Eusebio.

However, current captain Luisao said the former Portugal forward’s presence was a positive influence.

“Obviously, we respect Eusebio — the king,” he said. “It’s very important for the players, knowing the importance of Eusebio and the legend he is, even today in Benfica.

“He’s a reference for Benfica, and to travel with him and share such moments with him is important for us.”

Chelsea overcame Benfica last season en route to their maiden Champions League triumph, but Jesus says the team now coached by Rafael Benitez is a very different beast.

“Chelsea this year has other players, which give it a different quality,” said the former Sporting Braga coach.

“They have better individuals, like Oscar and (Eden) Hazard, and these two players have a technical quality that was missing last year.”

Chelsea count two Benfica old boys in their ranks in Ramires and David Luiz, and Luisao has been particularly impressed by the progress of the latter, who has occasionally been deployed in a new midfield role.

“I played with him in defence. We were both centre-backs and his time at Benfica was very important in his career,” said the Benfica skipper.

“He learnt a lot. When we were youngsters in Brazil, you don’t learn so much about positioning. Now his role as a midfield player is another step in his career. He’s grown a lot this season.”