Benfica manager Marco Silva has expressed strong respect for Scottish club Hearts ahead of their Europa League first-leg clash at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday. Despite Hearts’ recent struggles, having lost all three of their competitive matches this season under new manager Wouter Vrancken, Silva cautioned against underestimating the Scottish Premiership side.
Silva, who spent nine years working in England and closely followed the Scottish league, was particularly impressed by Hearts’ near title win last season, which marked a significant challenge to the long-standing dominance of Celtic and Rangers. “I remember watching the last game and that amazing story about the chances for Hearts to become champions after so many, many years,” Silva remarked. He acknowledged that the competition between the two traditionally dominant Glasgow clubs had been intense for decades, but welcomed Hearts’ emergence as a contender as beneficial for the league’s competitiveness.
Noting the changes at Hearts since last season, including their new managerial appointment and squad adjustments, Silva highlighted that while the team is different, it remains a potent threat. “It’s going to be dangerous, always dangerous,” he said, emphasizing the importance of respecting the quality the club displayed during their recent title challenge. Silva anticipates a challenging encounter underpinned by a strong atmosphere that will carry over to the second leg at Tynecastle.
This match comes as Benfica navigates their own transition, with Silva managing squad adjustments ahead of the Portuguese league season. Notably, captain Antonio Silva recently departed to Bournemouth for a £25 million fee, prompting Silva to plan for a new team leader. Despite these changes, Silva stressed the importance of taking control in the first leg at home to set the tone for the tie.
Benfica’s experience in European competition and depth of high-caliber players place them as favorites, but Silva reiterated the need for focus and respect. “We have to be at our best level to compete,” he said, underscoring his desire to win comfortably while acknowledging the resilience expected from Hearts.
The first leg at the Estadio da Luz will offer an early indication of the tie’s direction before the decisive second leg takes place in Glasgow. Silva’s comments reveal his awareness of the challenges ahead and the determination to advance while giving due credit to a Hearts side aiming to prove their quality on the European stage despite a tough start to their domestic campaign.