After public criticism, what Mourinho told Benfica in the dressing room | OneFootball

he met again with the Benfica squad after the draw against Casa Pia, resuming a conversation that had already been taking place internally. The coach stressed the need to raise levels of attitude and competitive aggression, pointing out that recent performances have fallen short of expectations.

According to the newspaper Record, the manager recalled the criticism he had made publicly, reinforcing that the team needs to show greater intensity. Mourinho did not address any player in particular, opting for a collective approach. The aim was to appeal to the group’s pride and reinforce the importance of honoring the shirt until the end of the season.

Despite the internal awareness that the title race is practically a mirage, Mourinho underlined that there are still six games left to play. The coach stressed the need to win those matches and keep alive the possibility of reaching second place. That position is still seen as essential, as it grants access to the Champions League, which would fill Benfica’s coffers.

The draw in Rio Maior left its mark on the group and shook the team’s morale, something the coach tried to counter. Mourinho believes it is crucial to restore confidence before important fixtures, including the upcoming derby. The intention was to prevent the negative emotional impact from affecting performances in the final rounds. The message was focused on unity and an immediate response.

The coach once again showed displeasure with the passivity and lack of ability to create imbalance. . However, he reinforced that it is necessary to raise the competitive level and honor the Benfica shirt on the pitch.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.