Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho did not hold back in his actions following Benfica’s semi-final defeat to SC Braga in the Portuguese Cup
Jose Mourinho has implemented severe measures against his Benfica squad after their 3-1 Allianz Cup semi-final loss to SC Braga on Wednesday evening. The Lisbon side trailed 2-0 at half-time and ended the match a man short following ex-Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi’s dismissal.
Following the setback, Portuguese newspaper Record revealed that, as punishment, the Benfica players were required to stay overnight at their Seixal training complex before an early training session on Thursday morning.
“When we get to Seixal, each player will go to their rooms and I wish they sleep as well as I do, which is to say that they don’t sleep at all,” the former Manchester United boss stated.
“That’s what I want for them – that they don’t sleep and that they think a lot, just like I will. Then tomorrow we can start talking, which is not what happened in the dressing room.”
The Portuguese manager was equally scathing in his critique of his team’s display, remarking: “I have to apologise to Braga and to Carlos [Vicens].
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“I can’t say that Braga deserved to win, I have to say that Benfica deserved to lose. We were the ones who had a horrible first half.
“From the moment [referee] Joao Pinheiro awarded the penalty that was outside the area, instead of a positive click, there was a click of negativity, nervousness and horrible quality in possession.
“A horrible first half on all levels, with so many technical errors. Unacceptable under any circumstances, even against a neighbouring sides Seixal or Amora.
“In the second half, the opposite, also inexplicable. When my teams are looking to turn results around, we can’t make defensive mistakes.”
Mourinho added: “There are things that should only be said internally and not externally.
“I don’t usually speak in the dressing room after games, but I did today. I spoke in a critical but calm tone.
“I had a conversation, which ended up being a monologue. There were absolutely unacceptable individual performances, which translated into a very weak collective performance in the first half.”
Benfica, who are struggling through a difficult campaign and trail rivals and table-toppers FC Porto by ten points, were unable to secure their spot in the final against Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Another tough fixture awaits them next week as they prepare to face Francesco Farioli’s Porto in the Portuguese Cup quarter-final.
