Quim calls for Benfica unity

SL Benfica goalkeeper Quim says the whole squad have to pull together so that the team get the right result from their vital UEFA Champions League tie against Celtic FC.

Quality squad
Quim told uefa.com he does not feel senior members of the squad such as himself and Rui Costa are under pressure to set an example to the newer, younger additions on a big night for the Lisbon club. "All the players have to take responsibility," he said. "We have a lot of quality throughout the squad and we are a group. We have to work together, regardless of the players' experience."

Must win
Benfica are bottom of Group D having lost both their matches, but like his coach José Antonio Camacho, Quim does not subscribe to the theory that their meeting with the Scottish champions is make-or-break. "All games are important for a club like Benfica so we have to win," he said. "Our objective is to be positive and to beat Celtic."

Eye-catching
The 31-year-old also admits he has been impressed by the Scottish side's victory over reigning European champions AC Milan on Matchday 2. And for all the visitors' obvious physical attributes, Benfica will have to be ready for more than just high balls. "We have to be prepared for everything," he added.

'Stay calm'
Not that Benfica are lacking physical stature themselves. "We are strong in these areas too," said the Portuguese international. "We have to think about our own qualities." The success that would kick-start the team's campaign will not be achieved through a frenetic approach, however. "We need to stay calm and keep possession of the ball in order to make chances and score the goals we need."

Home support
Quim is keen too for the fans to get behind the players at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica as they aim to make their home game of the double-header with Celtic count. Since arriving in 2004 from SC Braga, he has overcome a difficult start to see off his competitors for the jersey and become hugely popular among supporters. "I didn't come here to be a crowd favourite but to work hard for the side," he said. "But we would really appreciate the backing of all our fans."