Mourinho hits back at critics after Benfica’s Champions League masterclass | OneFootball

Benfica defeated Napoli 2-0, with goals from Richard Ríos and Leandro Barreiro, in the sixth matchday of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. In the press room at Estádio da Luz, José Mourinho analyzed the match and took a jab at the critics, saying that they will have difficulty finding faults in the Benfica team in tonight's game.

"Great victory, great game, both collectively and individually. There wasn't a single player on the field who didn't have a great game. Obviously, some stood out more than others, but as a team, fantastic. Great cohesion and interpretation of a difficult game. Against a team with tactical setups that are hard to counter. With the ball, things went well, they interpreted well. Ivanovic provided a lot of outlets, it's much easier for players who play in support and more difficult for those who play in depth. Ivanovic stretched in depth and attacked spaces, breaking through the defense that Napoli normally has. They were the ones who played a great game. Today it will be very difficult for the experts to attack Benfica, they will have trouble doing so because Benfica played a great game," he began by saying.

The coach spoke about the team's attempt to nullify Napoli's pressure: "The work was very similar to what we did against Sporting, in terms of game preparation. We defined principles in preparation. We tried to do it systematically and objectively. Against Sporting, we made a mistake that cost us the goal and brought some unease. Today was different, they were strong from the first to the last minute, not only are they champions, but they are also double champions in the last three years if I'm not mistaken."

Regarding the weight of José Mourinho's resume, the coach dismisses any pressure: "It's unrealistic. It's an unrealistic pressure. The ambition of Benfica fans is the same as mine. But at a moment like this when we are out, I haven't seen it yet, but I think we are out. You're talking about winning the Champions, imagine that... I'm happy with the game and that's it, with this one and the one against Sporting, with the way the team is growing and how it's hiding the limitations, as solutions are appearing."

The coach believes in qualification: "We are a humble team profile that takes hits from all sides but continues on its path. Fifteen days ago we were dead in the Champions and now we are alive, still with our heads underwater, but in the fight for survival. Now we will play three internal competitions before returning to the Champions. Let's forget the Champions for now," he concluded.

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