Everything José Mourinho said ahead of Benfica v Leverkusen | OneFootball

José Mourinho, the encarnado coach, spoke with journalists in a pre-match press conference for the Benfica - Bayer Leverkusen game, part of the Champions League, this Tuesday, November 4th. The match is scheduled for next Thursday at 8:00 PM, at Estádio da Luz. Read here everything the Eagles' coach said.

"It's similar to Xabi Alonso's, from a tactical point of view. Very similar in the formations he puts on the field, with some different players, but who have been replaced by very similar profiles. It's a team that defends with 5, from an offensive organization standpoint. It builds with 3, builds with 4. A favorite attacker, but quick in the interior game. It's a difficult team that had a complicated start to the season. This coach takes some time to find his way. The result with Bayern is a bit out of context. Grimaldo didn't play, for example. Both teams need points, they do too. As I've already said, I repeat my words. The stadium can be full of people who want to play the game. If they want to play, I think we will win."

Post-victory relaxation

"The moment of victories often brings relaxation, often brings a desire to win and change the state of things. We've already been through the negative moment in the defeat against Newcastle. We controlled the last games. Now the level is different, but I hope the team is confident, feeling greater empathy with the stadium and less pressure. The players will rise to the occasion. Things will go well."

Veríssimo case

"At this moment, I don't make any kind of comment. I will wait with interest, some expectation. I only saw news, I didn't see the report. I don't make comments, but I am expectant to see if there will be any process. I am not a commentator, I am the coach of Benfica. Besides being the coach of Benfica, I am one of the most important people in Portuguese football. I can't comment on a situation that could potentially be serious. I only read. It was nothing more than the referee saying that... I didn't read a report from the referee, from the League delegates. As an important person in Portuguese football, I can't make comments that could put me in a ridiculous situation. I will wait to see and then comment."

All or nothing in the Champions

"When the game ends tomorrow, there will be 12 more points in dispute. Even if we end tomorrow with 0, we can still qualify with 12. But then we have to be very optimistic. Obviously, it's an important game. Tomorrow we are in the middle of the fight. We are in the middle of the teams. If we don't win, the situation becomes more difficult. It has to be a game played with the soul of those who really want to win, without fear, without any kind of responsibility. If the stadium was with us in a League Cup game - I already realized that people give little importance to the Cup, and people are with us - I believe that tomorrow they will be too. The players will be motivated."

Grimaldo

"Grimaldo is excellent in that very specific situation. But in every game, there is the alert. There are fouls that have to be committed. They are strong in crosses, corners. We are not exactly a team of giants. I can't say, don't make a corner. We have to play with balance. Grimaldo is an excellent player. We have to pay the utmost attention."

Barreiro and Sudakov

"Barreiro has been playing well. Sudakov and Barreiro have two different profiles. The range has become larger. I start to look at some players differently. That helps me. Of course, it creates doubts, but they are good problems. The squad has been increasing in options."

Central defenders

"António has not lost his starting position in any way. With 3 central defenders of that quality, I don't want to make the mistake of making one feel like the third or that someone feels like they've lost some kind of race. Next Sunday, Otamendi won't play. On Sunday, António and Tomás will play. I have 3 central defenders of great quality. It's a fantastic guarantee. They have different personalities. António is more exuberant than Tomás, but they are fantastic players. It's a privilege to have Nico by their side and learn from him. It's not a problem at all."

Elections and Dedic

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