Mourinho a surprise pick for Ajax v Benfica: just here for sightseeing | OneFootball

José Mourinho assured that Manu Silva is fit. Present at the press conference, the Benfica coach made some comments about the call-up of the Portuguese midfielder and, in an ironic tone, responded that the player did not travel to Amsterdam for 'sightseeing', but rather to face Ajax.

"Manu doesn't have 90 minutes in him. He won't start the game. The minutes he might get and the help he can provide come with some limitations," the Portuguese coach began, responding to the journalist who asked about the call-up of the Eagles' number 16.

However, José Mourinho made a point of stressing that Manu Silva is also among his options, and there is a chance he could play: "He's not here for sightseeing or to just sit on the bench clapping. He's here because he can play."

"If we need him, Manu will play. He has some limitations regarding 'minutes' and the intensity of the game, the changes in pace," José Mourinho went on to explain, clarifying the role the midfielder will have in tomorrow's match.

"He has some issues, but he can play. The injury recovery is complete. He is working well. We need him to bring more balance to the squad. He is welcome. If he's here, it's because he can help us," concluded the coach of the reds and whites.

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