Since taking over as the Benfica manager in 2009, Jorge Jesus has been very successful at the Lisbon side. With his contract coming to an end, the Portuguese media is putting more attention on the contract talks, instead of focusing on Benfica's Europa League match against Bordeaux.
"Renewing? There are no updates, but things will take care of themselves," Jesus said on Wednesday.
"Benfica has very high expectations at the moment. We have spoken about the present and the future but things are being done with confidence. If everything goes well from the sports aspect, it will be easier for us to reach an agreement."
Clearly Jesus is hinting at the fact that he has specific titles that he is expected to win. The Europa League will most likely not be the main priority, but getting past Bordeaux will certainly be an expectation for everyone associated with Benfica.
The French side has not been all that impressive in the current campaign, leading Jorge Jesus to believe that his opponents will fully focus on this competition.
"At this stage there are no weak teams. Bordeaux are not performing well in the league, but they are doing well in the Europa League and just eliminated Dynamo Kiev, a side who had serious ambitions in this competition," Jesus told reporters.
Far from domestic success, Bordeaux will want to go as far as they can in Europe, but they are fully aware that the Portuguese side are clear favorites.
"We know that Benfica is a strong team, they went and won away to Leverkusen," said Francis Gillot, the Bordeaux manager. "Even if we manage a positive result, which looks to only be a draw, it looks like we can't win in Lisbon, nothing is resolved, because Benfica away from home is still a strong side. And even worst, the next match they will have Matic available, a very good player."
With the Serbian out due to suspension, Jorge Jesus will likely opt to play youngster Andre Almeida as the anchor in the Benfica midfield. Other than Matic, Jesus has a full squad to choose from for their first match on Thursday.
Benfica's Previous Matches
03-03-13 Beira Mar 0-1 Benfica (Portuguese League)
02-27-13 Braga *0-0 (3-2) Benfica (League Cup)
02-24-13 Benfica 3-0 Pacos de Ferreira (Portuguese League)
02-21-13 Benfica 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Europa League)
02-17-13 Benfica 1-0 Academica (Portuguese League)
02-14-13 Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Benfica (Europa League)
Bordeaux's Previous Matches
03-03-13 Lille 2-1 Bordeaux (Ligue 1)
02-27-13 R.L. Etape 2-2* (3-5) Bordeaux (French Cup)
02-24-13 Bordeaux 0-2 Brest (Ligue 1)
02-21-13 Bordeaux 1-0 Dynamo Kiev (Europa League)
02-17-13 Bordeaux 0-4 Lyon (Ligue 1)
02-14-13 Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Bordeaux (Europa League)
Prediction
Away from home, Bordeaux's record does not match up too well with Benfica's home performances this season. The hosts have yet to lose in the domestic league, and they are coming off four straight home victories in all competitions.
Bordeaux has only managed one victory away from home in their last four, with the one victory coming against lower level R.L. Etape, and it ended in a penalty shootout. Taking on a confident and highly motivated Benfica squad, Bordeaux could be in for a difficult time in Lisbon on Thursday night.
All signs point to Benfica winning in the first leg at the Estadio da Luz, but the Bordeaux players are well aware that they can make an impact in this match. If they caught a glimpse of Leverkusen's match in Lisbon, they will know that given the proper preparation, they can cause problems.
Benfica has won their previous matches, but they have been far from convincing. Their latest match against Beira-Mar was decided by a penalty conversion from Oscar Cardozo, but the Lisbon side was close to giving up the slim lead on a number of occasions.
Thursday will give Jorge Jesus another chance to solidify himself in the contract negotiations. A comfortable victory for the Eagles will be enough to keep the fans, players and the Benfica board happy, leading into a very critical stage of the season.
The hosts clearly have more fire power than Bordeaux, but matches are not won on paper. Behind a very good Artur Moraes in the Benfica goal, his fellow teammates should be able to see off Bordeaux.
Benfica 2-0 Bordeaux
