André Coelho: 'Winning the Champions League with Benfica is a dream'

Back from the international break, André Coelho has his sights firmly set on the Champions League. Benfica travel to the Netherlands on a mission to win their group—kicking off this Wednesday—and the Portugal international admitted that the ultimate goal is to lift the trophy, taking it one step at a time.

"It's a different competition, a major target that has eluded us for a few years, and we have to admit that. It's a huge objective for Benfica, and a huge objective for us. We're very focused; now it's about starting well and finishing top of the group, which is our aim—taking all nine points. We're working towards that. There are three distinct and very difficult opponents: Kyiv are perhaps more physical. Then there's ElPozo, who play in a different league, perhaps with less physical intensity but greater tactical coordination—individually, they're probably the best side. Lastly, Tigers are tough because they have players from the Morocco national team, whom we know very well. But our goal is three games, nine points," he began, speaking to A BOLA in the mixed zone at Pavilhão Fidelidade, setting his sights on topping the group.

"It's the Champions League. Every game is difficult, especially the opener. They will be a side that defends deep. As you know, the Ukraine national team is very strong, so we're expecting a very tough, physical match. From what we've seen, they also have specific strengths, such as using a flying goalkeeper. Strategically, they are very solid too, so we treat everyone with equal respect. We don't go in thinking any game is easier or harder, particularly the opening fixture. But we're going all out to win," he asserted, recalling last season's quarter-final exit against Sporting, who went on to be crowned European champions.

"Pressure is always present at this club; it's inside every one of us. Obviously, we haven't won it in many years. We really want to bring this trophy back to the club and win it for ourselves. We have massive ambitions, but right now we're solely focused on the first game. There's no point looking too far ahead. Last year's elimination was obviously a hard blow, but that's sport—it always gives you a second chance. We now have that second chance starting on Wednesday in the first game, and we're entirely focused on that," he explained, admitting their preparation hasn't been ideal, though they are getting there.

"It isn't [ideal], because we've just had two weeks away on international duty. We're trying to refresh things—not that we forgot, but spending two weeks in a completely different national team setup means adapting to different defensive, attacking, and strategic systems. So these few days are about fine-tuning and refreshing our memory. I think we're in great shape; as you said, the first match was tough when we lost the Super Cup, but we responded really well and the squad is looking very good. The players who were with Portugal, Brazil, and Anderson arriving from Angola—we're all doing well. The team is gelling nicely again. Obviously, we weren't together for two weeks, but things are going smoothly and I'm confident they'll go well this week," he added.

Finally, André Coelho stated that winning the Champions League with Benfica would be a dream, having already won it twice during his spell at Barcelona. "It's a dream. In my first interview when I arrived here, I said one of the reasons I came back was to get Benfica back to winning ways. I'm in my third year here with that same ambition: to lead the club to Champions League glory. More important than André, Arthur, or Pany winning it, it's about Benfica winning, because this club deserves European silverware. I'm just one more player here to help achieve that goal. I've been fortunate enough to win it before, but never with Benfica. So, winning it with Benfica will always be a career dream," he concluded.