22.11.2025 18:00
Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho made very harsh statements about his players. After the cup match, Mourinho expressed that many players did not take the last game seriously and did not approach it as they should have. "I couldn't have known that they would perform at a high level, but I knew they wouldn't let me down. I don't like players who betray me and do not fully realize their potential," he said.
Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, defeated the third division team Atletico CP 2-0 in the 4th round of the Portuguese Cup. The Portuguese coach made very harsh statements about his players at the end of the match.
"I DON'T LOVE THOSE WHO BETRAY ME!"
Expressing that his players did not take the match seriously, Mourinho said, "Many players did not act seriously and did not approach the match as they should have. I made four substitutions at halftime, but I wanted to make nine. It will continue, but I’m not saying they will play in the starting eleven, nor can I say they will play in the Ajax match; however, I am following the youth team with the utmost attention. I couldn't know in advance that they would perform well, but I knew they wouldn't let me down. I don't love players who betray me, meaning those who do not fully realize their potential."
"DON'T KNOCK ON MY DOOR!"
Continuing his remarks, the experienced coach said, "The problem in the first half was not the system, it was the players. I had to start the second half with a system change to take some players out. Some players seemed nonexistent here [in Restelo], and I told them: 'Don't knock on my door to ask why you are not playing.' I am the head coach of Benfica, the responsibility is mine, but the players also have a responsibility to the fans."