Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has played down suggestions that tonight's UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg clash with Liverpool is the biggest of his coaching career.
The Portuguese giants will visit Anfield hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals after defeating the Merseysiders 2-1 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie last week.
This is a big match in the Europa League quarter-finals but I am sure this is only one of a number of important matches for me.
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus
With Benfica six points clear at the top of Portugal's Liga Sagres, and this season's Carlsberg Cup trophy already in the bag, victory tonight would keep Jesus on course for completing a treble in his first season in charge at the Stadium of Light. The 55-year-old has made a big impression since leaving Sporting Braga last summer but he hopes he has much grander occasions to look forward to.
"Normally, my priority is winning matches in the Portuguese league," said the Benfica manager.
"This is a big match in the Europa League quarter-finals but I am sure this is only one of a number of important matches for me.
"We know how good Liverpool are but we are very well prepared. I am sure it will be a great match."
Benfica are favourites to progress after dominating the first encounter at the Stadium of Light seven days ago. Yet, having had to play on Monday night in domestic competition, Jesus is concerned about fatigue.
"What worries me is the lack of recovery hours since the last match," he said.
"If we had another 24 hours things would be different, we would play at a much higher speed.
"I am quite worried if the match is high intensity some of my players will be at breaking point."
Benfica are in fine form; Monday's 4-2 victory at Naval was their 11th win in 12 league games. However, they will be face Liverpool without strikers Javier Saviola and Weldon due to injury, while defender Cesar Peixoto is doubtful.
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