Benfica head coach José Mourinho attended the post-match press conference following their 2-0 win over Madeira Sporting in the Portuguese Cup.
Mourinho was deeply disappointed with Benfica’s first-half performance in Friday’s 2-0 victory over Madeira Sporting, even admitting that he wanted to substitute nine players at halftime instead of the four he ultimately replaced.
“I was here earlier and secretly listened to your interview with the Madeira player, and I think he told the truth. They played extremely well. I watched their league game live in Mafra and realized they are well-organized with many talented young players who could have caused us some trouble.
But we played terribly in the first half. And what pains me most about this poor performance is the attitude issue. Many players were not serious and did not take the game seriously.
I substituted four players at halftime, but I really wanted to substitute nine. At halftime, I identified which players I would keep. Only two of them wanted to keep playing.
A game should be taken seriously. The other nine clearly did not. In the second half, we obviously improved a lot. Madeira Sporting couldn’t build up from the back as usual, nor could they get throw-ins— that young lad’s ability to cross the ball into the box is truly outstanding… It was only a matter of time before we scored.
If we had scored earlier, the score would definitely have been more lopsided. That was the decisive blow. For now, it’s enough, but attitude is the key,” he told RTP. “We improved in the second half and completely dominated. I didn’t like the first-half performance at all.”
Will Rodrigo Rego continue to start?
“He will continue to start. I can’t confirm if he will keep his starting spot or if he will play next Tuesday. But I have been closely monitoring the youth team players, even though I haven’t been here long. There’s one thing I know about Rego: I can’t predict if he will have a great game or if his performance will be excellent, but I know he won’t let me down. I don’t like players who let me down. Rego had a very positive and balanced game; he was one of the two players I didn’t want to substitute at halftime.”
What about the tactical system?
“These two things are completely unrelated. The problem lies with the players on the pitch. I don’t want to single out issues that should be resolved internally, but I had to change the tactical system to substitute some of the players I wanted to take off. The problem isn’t the system—it’s the players.
Some players weren’t in the game from the start. I’ve already told them not to knock on my door because they didn’t want to play at all.”
Was the message not conveyed?
“This is a common message from Benfica fans. As for me, I’m Benfica’s head coach and the responsibility is mine, but the players also have a responsibility—especially to the Benfica fans. When it comes to attitude, some things are absolutely unacceptable. I believe Benfica usually forgives many things, but never a lack of attitude.”
Is the other player Orsnes?
“Otamendi… You jumped ahead to answer what I didn’t want to say.”
