Benfica has more than one Norwegian hero, while Andreas Schjelderup gets most of the attention here at home on the mountain, Fredrik Aursnes has fought his way to becoming captain and fan-favorite.
Benfica, which by the statisticians in Opta Joe is placed among the world’s 30 best clubs, is on a trip to the holiday island of Cyprus. – The press was gathered to talk to the Norwegian captain about what is in his priority and what it is like to be captain.
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What it’s like to be Benfica’s captain and priority in the league or Europa League: everything Aursnes said
Fredrik Aursnes spoke ahead of the match against Omonia in Cyprus on the third matchday of the UEFA Europa League, this Thursday. A conversation with journalists that is shorter than usual, as the team still has to travel this afternoon.
“Speaking of Omonia, they have six points from the first two victories. What awaits tomorrow in Cyprus?
“I expect a difficult game, honestly. I think they are doing well, they won two games, especially against Celta, which looks impressive. They were champions of Cyprus last season and yes, I really expect a difficult game. They have a good coach (Henning Berg) with good ideas, so we will see how it goes tomorrow, but of course we would like to win the game.
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“With Otamendi’s departure, he is now captain. How do you feel in this role, what does it mean to you, and do you think that with the arrival of João Palhinha he is like a captain without a bandage on the field?
“Being captain is something a little new for me, but I think that… I don’t want to change or be something I’m not, so I try to be natural and myself, and I try to lead in the best possible way, knowing that there is more responsibility. It’s an honour to be one of Benfica’s captains. João Palhinha, since he arrived, those who see him on the pitch show his qualities and he is definitely a very important player for us.
“He has played in multiple positions, number 8 in possession and in double pivot with Palhinha without possession. What dynamics do you want to create when you find yourself in this more advanced position in the middle?
“I think I try to create good dynamics on the right side, like in the last game with Alex [Bah] and Dodi [Lulebakio]… I try to balance a little bit between playing at the back of the defence/between the lines and having a more balanced role. I think it’s important to be able to be a threat a little bit further back in defence and between the lines, and not always have to fall back so much. I try to find the balance between the two things and have a good dynamic and connection with the other two players on the right side.
— How do you see and face the Europa League this year: is it a priority to win the tournament, or is the league the top priority? And as a Norwegian, does knowing Henning Berg help you understand what type of game you will face tomorrow?
“I think we’ll do well in both, so I don’t feel like we’re prioritizing one or the other. I feel like we can handle both well. I know Henning Berg as a coach, and I think he’s an excellent coach. I have to say that I’m very impressed with what he’s done as a coach in recent years. I have enormous respect for what he did for Omonia.
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