José Mourinho on key absence for Nacional v Benfica: No excuses | OneFootball

José Mourinho chose not to create any drama ahead of the clash with Nacional. In his preview of the match that will take place at Choupana, the Benfica coach stated that Richard Ríos will definitely be absent. However, the Special One, just as he did with Dodi Lukebakio, opted not to generate much concern about the situation.

"He has always been a starter, but when Lukebakio got injured — and it was a somewhat dramatic moment — I chose to say that if Lukebakio doesn't play, someone else will. And I think that's a good way to face all the setbacks we might have, whether it's due to injury or suspension," he began, speaking to BTV.

"There’s no Ríos, there’s someone else, and I think this is the right philosophy, not to cry over negative things," said José Mourinho, explaining that there is no shortage of options. It should be remembered that the Special One has already debuted his ‘winter signing’ by giving Manu Silva his first minutes of the season, who has already reacted to his return to competition.

"Look at things with optimism and say that someone else will play. And that whoever plays, plays as well as Ríos has been playing," concluded the coach from Setúbal, regarding the absence of Richard Ríos, who will not be able to contribute in the Choupana clash.

It should be noted that the Colombian international will miss the match in Madeira — always a tough trip to Nacional’s ground — as he serves a suspension after receiving a yellow card against Casa Pia. On the other hand, after serving his suspension against the “gansos”, Nicolás Otamendi returns to José Mourinho’s squad.

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