Benfica are ready to face Milan in the first matchday of the Europa League group stage. On the eve of the San Siro clash, Portuguese coach Marco Silva analysed his team's situation, focusing on the group's development, the condition of some individuals and the characteristics of the red‑and‑black side led by Ruben Amorim.

The Eagles' manager also spoke about Prestianni, possible line‑up choices and how Benfica will have to approach a game against a high‑quality opponent.

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How does he assess Benfica's progress so far and how close is the team to the level it wants to reach?

«I keep saying we are still far from our ideal and I want to convince our players of this as well. It is a good start, which does not mean we are not satisfied with what we are doing and the team's evolution: I would be lying if I said otherwise. We are growing and we are satisfied. Just look at what our first matches have been, but more generally at the overall evolution. It is clear that the team is improving and is creating the identity with which we want to see Benfica play: from this point of view we have improved. I am happy with the players' behaviour, their growth and the attitude they show every day at training to improve, which is also reflecting in matches. However, I keep repeating it because only that makes sense to me: we still have a lot to improve, both individually and collectively. If we improve each day even a little, in a few weeks and months this evolution will become evident for us, and that is exactly what we want».

What is Prestianni’s situation and how important has he become for your system of play?

«Regarding the Prestianni issue, this start of the season has shown that he works perfectly on the left, without doubt. If I told you the opposite I would be lying, because the data are there: you analyse the matches and you see it. The reality is that he is also prepared to help the team in other positions. With us this year he has not started any match on the right, where last year he played almost always, but his performance has been excellent, as a player who is growing day after day, match after match. He can play through the centre as he has done in the last two or three games or on several occasions with me during this year, and that is a decision that belongs to us. In many moments this ends up being a benefit for us, because having him on the field we can often change a player's position without making substitutions. As we did last weekend, we could put a more creative player inside the field: in the last 20‑25 minutes we introduced Lukebakio with a more creative profile in the space where Prestianni was playing, moving the latter to the left, and it had a very big impact. The numbers are clear, I do not think you need my answer for this. He is more than ready to play in those positions behind the striker, on both flanks or as a trequartista in our team: he is prepared to do it and works on these roles also in training. To be honest, until today we have not made him work much on the right, also because in that space we have used Rafa more and Lukebakio also naturally trains in that position. In any case, he is a player who is having an enormous influence on the team, and that is the most important thing for us».

What type of match does he expect against Amorim’s Milan?

«A very difficult match, without doubt. Two teams used to being in another competition and not in the Europa League, because of their history and because of what they have been the last…»