08.01.2026 15:20
After Benfica lost 3-1 to Braga and said goodbye to the Portuguese League Cup, Jose Mourinho harshly criticized referee Joao Pinheiro. While reacting to the goalkeepers wasting time, Mourinho referred to Turkey by saying, "It's what I criticize in Turkish football."
In the semi-finals of the Portuguese League Cup, Benfica, who lost 3-1 at home to Braga, made headlines with coach Jose Mourinho's post-match statements. The Portuguese coach harshly criticized referee Joao Pinheiro while also referencing Turkish football.
HARSH ON THE REFEREE
In his post-match statement, Mourinho reacted to the penalty decision and harshly criticized his team's performance in the first half.
The Portuguese coach said, "Since referee Joao Pinheiro made a penalty decision outside the penalty area, there was negativity, tension, terrible ball control, and incredible ball losses instead of a positive spirit. It was a terrible first half in every aspect. It is unacceptable under any circumstances."
"THE THIRD GOAL IS UNEXPLAINABLE"
Mourinho, who stated that his team played more boldly in the second half, reacted to the third goal they conceded. The experienced coach said, "In the second half, on the contrary, an unexplainable situation occurred again. We started to challenge Braga with brave, aggressive play... Then the third goal we conceded is unexplainable... We conceded the third goal from a set piece."
"WHAT I CRITICIZED IN TURKISH FOOTBALL!"
The most striking part of Mourinho's statements was his reference to Turkish football. The Portuguese coach said, "There was something I criticized in Turkish football. I am now experiencing this situation in Portuguese football as well. The goalkeepers have no respect for football, for the game. They slow down the tempo. They waste time. Goalkeepers in Portugal also know very well that the game will stop as long as they need to be treated."