See everything José Mourinho said ahead of Ajax v Benfica | OneFootball

José Mourinho set the tone for tomorrow's duel. At the press conference, the Benfica coach sought to answer journalists' questions and clarify any doubts about the match against Ajax. Among the topics discussed, the Special One talked about Ivanovic and the new additions to the squad. Check out everything that was said in the Johan Cruyff Arena press room.

Message after the game with Atlético

"Regarding my message after the game, I have a player to my left who can confirm that what I said to the press, I said to the players. I don't watch any films, but I understand that you have to debate, otherwise how can you have commentators 23 and a half hours a day on all TV channels? For me and the players, it ended there. It was a message I wanted to convey. If you ask me if the last training sessions were good, I say yes. Today's and yesterday's were very good. It has been like that. I have nothing negative to say about the way they train, on the contrary. I hope the team gives their best tomorrow and that the players are at their maximum concentration and motivation. It's a matter of winning to have hope of qualifying. I know no motivation more important than that."

Did Ivanovic knock on your door to ask why he doesn't play?

"When you keep hammering on the same thing, I don't like it, but I understand. When you lie, it deeply annoys me. If there's a player who works hard and gives everything in training or games - the substitution had nothing to do with attitude - it's Ivanovic. He's an extraordinary guy who works so hard. Things aren't going well for him, but he's an extraordinary guy and untouchable from a professional standpoint. Commenting is one thing, inventing is another. When you invent about players who are dear to me, it hurts."

Do you fear the locker room will turn against you? Are Benfica's players up to the coach's standards?

"Was your father always kind to you when you were young until you became a responsible adult? There are phases. That's exactly it."

Manu Silva

"Manu doesn't have 90 minutes. He won't start the game. The minutes he might have and the help he can provide are conditioned. He's not here for tourism or to 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 game intensity, changes of pace. He has some issues, but he can play. The recovery from the injury is complete. He's working well. We need him to have more balance in the squad. He's welcome. If he's here, it's because he can help us."

Rodrigo Rêgo and the line of 3

"Rodrigo Rêgo can't play as a full-back in a line of 4. Those aren't his characteristics. When players come up, there has to be a 'transfer' of what they've acquired. At this point, he can't be a full-back. In the future, yes, because when players work tactically, they grow. He's a wing-back, both on the right and left in a system of 4. With 3 defenders, he's a left wing-back. He played well. Physically, he has the capacity to play at a high level. He can play tomorrow. I don't want to say the system. My colleague Grim would like to be sure of what we're going to do. I'm convinced that António Silva is frozen because it's freezing cold outside."

Obrador

"He played for Spain under-21 and didn't play in the next, more difficult game. Rêgo stayed with me to work. Obrador only returned 2 days before the game. There's an advantage for those who stay, especially for the young guys. I need to see them and see what they can offer. Obrador is a full-back in a line of 4. He needs to grow defensively, he has some gaps. As we started with 3 defenders against Atlético and with offensive wing-backs, Rêgo is more in tune with that. I wanted to give him the opportunity. If you don't give young players a chance, you never know what they can or can't do. It's always a question of how they react to new scenarios. You have to put them in. If you don't, you don't know. It was a good opportunity to put Rodrigo in and see if he had the conditions to continue with us."

Assessment of Ajax

"They have good players, a coach who knows them well. He was already with them, he didn't just arrive. He identified principles in which the team can improve. I'm not fixated on how they're playing. If you look at us and see the results in the Champions League, they think the same. It will be a difficult game."

What is the biggest challenge?

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