Euro 2024 didn’t start in the best way for Denmark, but even that doesn’t make Morten Hjulmand and Alexander Bah throw in the towel or think about returning to Portugal. In the end, tied 1-1 against Slovenia, in Stuttgart, in their debut in the group stage, the Danes of the “Second Circular” spoke with Portuguese journalists and made it clear that moving from Group C is perfectly possible. Only then will we seriously think about Sporting and Benfica, but for now there is still room to leave messages to the lions and eagles. From captaincy to fitness.

“I don’t know if I’m ready to be captain, but of course I want to”

Morten Hjulmand convinced Sporting fans in several ways this season and his leadership profile was undoubtedly one of them. The Sporting midfielder is being targeted to join the trio of captains next season, taking into account the departures of Luís Neto and António Adán. Since Seba Coates is not eternal, we have to think about the future and that could involve Hjulmand.

The Dane does not reject the idea, quite the opposite. When asked by the Observer if he is ready to captain Denmark and Sporting, Morten replies: “I don’t know, you have to ask the coaches. But of course, of course I want to be captain. “Who knows one day.”

But for that day to come to Sporting, it may be better not to delay, because the 24-year-old midfielder has a market and sharks are lurking. In this sense, he closes himself in glasses: “Now I am focused on the national team and I only think about the three points we have to score in the next game. […] There are many big teams watching the Euro Cup, but I am already on a big team.”says.

Still looking ahead to next season, we invite Hjulmand to evaluate Leon’s strategy: no one is leaving, but there are people who are joining, at least until now. The Sporting midfielder responds: “The squad we have at the moment is very strong, but that is a question that corresponds to the sports director. I’m focused on the national team right now. But I am ready for a new season with Sporting.”.

Ready for a new season, with the balance of the current one. Morten admits that his time at Sporting helped him get fit for the Euro: “I have a lot of confidence now, after the season I had with Sporting. “I have great memories with them and I try to bring my style of play here to the national team as well.”. To do this, and despite being rivals, it also helps to have a partner who you know well. But now with the same color: Alexander Bah. “We still have battles to fight at Sporting and Benfica, but it’s good to be here on the same side, of course. I know how he plays and he knows how I play. I think it’s something natural.”

The one who goes the other way is Gonçalo Inácio. Accustomed to wearing the same colors as the Portuguese centre-back, Hjulmand can now face him. But whether you find Portugal or not, leave Roberto Martínez some advice: “Portugal is very strong and I hope Gonçalo Inácio plays.”

Morten Hjulmand admits he wants to be captain of Sporting and Denmark

“My body was tired, but now I’m back”

Alexander Bah keeps the colors. The Benfica right back left a big smile as soon as he heard “Portugal” and immediately wanted to leave a message for Benfica fans: “I miss Benfica, of course. Portugal is my home now and you always miss it. But now I’m here and the Danes were amazing too, it felt like we were playing in Denmark.”says the red defender.

Bah went through several physical problems last season, but the Benfica fan is resting. In fact, he says he’s “back.” “I finished the season well at Benfica, I had good moments before suffering a small injury in the last games. My body was tired, there were too many games in too little time. But now I’m back and I feel good. “I’m looking forward to knowing what I’m going to do in the Euro Cup, we’ll see.”

As for what Denmark can do, he aligns himself with his colleague Hjulmand. There is no room for pessimism: “Starting with a draw was not what we wanted. But it is what it is. Now we have to do something big against England and I still think our chances of getting through the group are good. We are positive and we have to work hard”.

What if “home” is ahead? In other words, Portugal? “Of course I would like to play against you,” says the Benfica defender. Denmark will now face England in the second round of the group stage of Euro 2024, on the 20th. The opponent will be Serbia. For now, the Danes occupy second place in Group C, tied on points with Slovenia, one point away.

Alexander Bah smiled when he talked about Benfica