Benfica head coach Marco Silva said it would be "almost humanly impossible" to field the same starting eleven across four matches inside three days, as he previewed his side's Europa League league-phase opener against AC Milan.
"We have to be intelligent in how we manage the squad," Silva said at his pre-match press conference.
Without revealing exactly which changes he plans to make, Silva indicated that Benfica's lineup would be altered with an eye on his players' physical condition and on Sunday's clássico against FC Porto.
He said that, regardless of whether people believed him or not, the issue was not only about Sunday's game. He pointed out that from the trip to face Estrela da Amadora through to Wednesday's match against Milan, Benfica would have played four matches in 11 days, three of them away from home.
Silva said he did not want to lose players to physical overload. "It's a demanding game, and naturally we don't want to take certain risks with players who might be more fatigued," he said.
Praise for Milan and their coach
Silva had nothing but praise for Wednesday's opponents. He said it would be a very difficult game, noting that Milan's coach, Rúben, knew Benfica and Portuguese football well.
He described the fixture as a "Champions League-style" match given the history and stature of both clubs, teams more accustomed to playing in the Champions League than in the Europa League. He called it a showcase fixture, with a long history behind it from the two sides' past meetings in decisive moments and finals.
AC Milan are one of Italy's most decorated clubs, with a long record of success in European competition. Benfica are the reigning Portuguese champions and one of Portugal's most successful sides in continental competition. Both clubs are competing in the Europa League's league phase this season rather than the Champions League.
Room to improve despite good form
Benfica's current form has drawn plenty of praise, but Silva said there was still plenty to improve, both as a team and individually.
Asked about Argentine midfielder Prestianni, Silva said the player could operate in several positions. He said Prestianni was very well prepared to play in any of the three positions behind the centre-forward, on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, and that his performances had been excellent.
What's next
Benfica face AC Milan on Wednesday in their opening match of the Europa League league phase, before turning their attention to Sunday's clássico against FC Porto.
