Rui Costa and Jorge Mendes at odds? Benfica angry with agent | OneFootball

Irritation with Jorge Mendes is growing at Benfica. Several figures within the Eagles’ SAD are pointing the finger at the agent over the deadlock surrounding the head coach of the main football team. Some even argue categorically that Rui Costa should demand more from the businessman.

According to information from Correio da Manhã, the main issue is José Mourinho’s departure and the appointment of his successor. Jorge Mendes is seen as the main driving force behind the Special One’s move to Real Madrid. This comes as the businessman’s behind-the-scenes work to promote the Setúbal-born coach to Los Blancos undermined what had been Benfica officials’ strategy: to hold on to the argument that Mourinho was under contract until June 2027, wait to see how next season unfolded and then, depending on the results, extend the deal or not.

But Real Madrid’s entry into the picture led Rui Costa to speed up the renewal offer, leaving the decision in Mourinho’s hands. The fact that the coach’s departure was not completed within the short timeframe that had been expected is also seen as a failure to follow what had been agreed between the parties, with the blame once again being placed on Mendes.

The whole process involving Marco Silva’s possible arrival - a deal that is said to have collapsed - at Luz only further heated tempers in the SAD’s corridors. The understanding within the structure was that Jorge Mendes had Marco Silva under control, but the Fulham coach has still not given the Eagles an unequivocal yes.

Lastly, dissatisfaction with the agent is also linked to António Silva. The businessman has not presented any offer considered worthy by the centre-back, who continues to reject approaches to renew the contract that expires next year (2027).

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