Nelson Verissimo was asked about Joao Mario’s position and his little benefit. Speaking at the match preview against Estoril in Luz, on Matchday 27, the Benfica coach said the midfielder remains committed and is waiting for an opportunity to play more.

What does Joao Mario need to get more minutes, how does he manage the absences of Darwin and Tarabat [castigados]: «The absence of Darwin and Adel opens the door for other players to get minutes. The choice based on the situation has to do with what we think of the game. Adel and Miti had the opportunity, they had a performance and there was a bet on this continuity that he would also have an answer. He doesn’t have a lot of minutes, but he had commitment and commitment in the workouts. When you have minutes, you will definitely give a positive answer.”

How would you do without Darwin who was crucial? “The team has 23 players in addition to goalkeepers, at all times we must be prepared for injuries or penalties. There will not be, but we have Roman, Gonzalo Ramos and Henrique Araujo, and we have solutions. Everyone is important, but we should not regret the absence, but believe in who They’ll have a chance. That’s not why I won’t arrive at night and not sleep well.”