José Mourinho backs former Flamengo man against European football critics | OneFootball

Richard Ríos arrived at Benfica (POR) as the biggest signing in the club's history

Richard Ríos was transferred from Palmeiras to Benfica (POR) in the middle of the year, right after the Club World Cup. However, the former Flamengo midfielder is still in the adaptation phase in Portugal. Thus, Portuguese coach José Mourinho came to the midfielder's defense amid criticism from the Portuguese fans.

According to ‘ESPN Brasil’, José Mourinho has ‘embraced’ Richard Ríos at Benfica. The Portuguese coach has taken on the responsibility of recovering and getting the best out of the Colombian midfielder, amid criticism for his performances so far.

CRITICISM OF RICHARD RIOS?

Richard Ríos became the most expensive signing in Benfica’s history when the Portuguese club bought him in the middle of the year, after the Club World Cup. With performance bonuses, the amount exceeds 30 million euros (R$ 189 million at the exchange rate at the time).

However, Ríos arrived in Portugal with star status and under pressure to deliver performances matching the amount paid. Nevertheless, the former Flamengo and Palmeiras midfielder has not yet lived up to expectations and has started to be questioned by the fans.

WHAT IS RÍOS' SITUATION?

So far, Richard Ríos has played 16 matches for Benfica this season. However, the former Flamengo midfielder has not yet managed to directly contribute to any goals, even though he has started matches in both the Portuguese League and the Champions League.

AND WHAT ABOUT FLAMENGO?

Flamengo, Richard Ríos’s former team, remains focused on upcoming challenges. The red-and-black team defeated Racing (ARG) 1-0 last Wednesday (22), taking an important step towards the final of the Copa Libertadores in Lima.

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