As Benfica wave goodbye to 2025/26, Rui Costa laments hurt pride | OneFootball

In the aftermath of Benfica's victory, in the Portuguese Cup final, Rui Costa was approached by RTP, which asked a few questions about some of the issues that have been making headlines around the club. Questioned by the journalist, the Eagles' president stressed that José Mourinho remains the coach and promised to address the Members very soon.

Do you still hope that José Mourinho will stay at Benfica?

"José Mourinho is Benfica's coach. Until proven otherwise, José Mourinho is Benfica's coach".

But do you think he will accept the contract renewal offer?

"That is for him to decide, obviously, as he said yesterday [Saturday]. As for everything else, during this week I will speak to Benfica's members, explain the season, and give an overall assessment".

Do you leave dissatisfied with this season?

"Obviously I leave dissatisfied. Whenever Benfica are not champions, it always leaves me dissatisfied, naturally, just as it does all Benfica supporters. A word of appreciation for all the Benfica fans who were here today. Even with wounded pride, they filled this stadium stand. My thanks for the crowd we created here in this Women's Portuguese Cup final. This is Benfica, and for that very reason, this is also Benfica's high standard. Given that standard, it is natural that this season has been completely negative, because we did not achieve the objectives we wanted. Congratulations to this women's team, which has given us so much joy time and time again, and which secured another domestic double. I thank them for all the commitment they showed, alongside what I have already said about our supporters, who were here for a beautiful occasion. The way we filled the stand, it looked like a men's Cup final. My thanks to them. In closing, and as I have already said, this week I will assess the season and speak to Benfica's members".

"Benfica's coach, until proven otherwise, is named José Mourinho".

"Obviously not, because Benfica's coach is Mourinho".

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