Enzo Fernandez and Goncalo Ramos are two World Cup stars who Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is not concerned about losing.
The youthful players, both 21 years old, and seasoned defender Nicolas Otamendi are crucial to head coach Schmidt’s ambitions for victory in Lisbon, he stated.
The Argentina team is getting ready for Sunday’s World Cup final against France, in which both Fernandez and Otamendi may start.
Because of this, midfielder Fernandez has been associated with a number of teams, including Liverpool.
Benfica sold striker Darwin Nunez to the Reds in the last transfer window, and Schmidt is determined to retain the best of the talent that has remained at the club.
“We are very happy for them and they are happy to play at Benfica. We need players like them,” Schmidt told a press conference on Friday, according to O Jogo.
“We are not afraid that they will leave. We will not give anyone away; we need them to be champions.”
🇦🇷 Benfica maestro Enzo Fernández in the group stage this season😎@slbenfica_en || #UCL pic.twitter.com/CScFs1lbme
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 13, 2022
In Schmidt’s first season as manager, Benfica are atop the Primeira Liga standings after winning 12 of their first 13 games.
When asked about his Argentine teammates, Schmidt said he was “happy for them” to be playing in the World Cup final while Portugal’s domestic competitions start.
On Saturday, Ramos of Portugal could play in Benfica’s Taca da Liga round-robin match against Moreirense.
He established his reputation by scoring a hat-trick in Portugal’s 6-1 victory against Switzerland in the World Cup’s round of 16. He replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup.
Looking at the finals in Qatar, Schmidt said: “Otamendi has played at a fantastic level. I think Goncalo and Enzo have been playing very well throughout the season.
“Enzo took advantage of opportunities with Argentina, he didn’t begin in the starting line-up. Goncalo Ramos too, with Portugal, scored three goals. It shows that they have a lot of confidence.”
German coach Schmidt also acknowledged he will be siding with Argentina in the final, out of duty to his players.
“I have all the respect for France, but there are two of our players in Argentina, of course I’ll support them,” he said. “To be honest, I’m also a [Lionel] Messi fan, he continues to be the best in the world for me and he’s shown it.”