Seixal doubts, Rafa, Anísio Cabral: Mourinho on Benfica v Estrela | OneFootball

considered fair and well-achieved the triumph (4-0) of Benfica against Estrela da Amadora, in a match corresponding to the 19th round of the Liga Betclic. In the press conference, the Eagles' coach analyzed the opponent, spoke about the return of Rafa and praised the debut of Anísio Cabral.

Benfica won with a landslide and ended with a goal from a debutant, Anísio Cabral. How do you analyze it?

I think it was a very well-achieved second half and a dominant first half. Without playing brilliantly in the first half, we created two or three very good opportunities, especially the one from Aursnes. In the second half, Barreiro's entry gave the team dynamics. Objective achieved, which was to win. Second objective, which was to play well. The 84th minute [goal by Anísio Cabral]? Honestly, okay, it happened. I can't say I expected it, but I can say I expected both him and [Banjaqui] to have the level to play in Benfica's first team. I wanted to give the team a rest. In the case of Dedic for Banjaqui, I knew perfectly well that the response would be good, that there might be one or another mistake. 17 years old, first game at Estádio da Luz, but I knew the response would be very good, that he would give us offensive play, that he would give us crossing, that he would also give us very good speed in defensive play. And Anísio didn't surprise me, nor any of the first team players in these last two days, in these last two training sessions. It was no surprise to anyone, because he doesn't deceive, he doesn't deceive. I'm obviously very happy for both of them and in that 84th minute… I knew that Mr. Eusébio would have his birthday today, I didn't know it would be the 84th.

Was it a response to what happened in Seixal? And how did you see that demonstration by the fans at the training center?

What happened? Do you believe in what you heard and read, or do you believe in the very brief statement that Benfica made? I have no comment to make, because if I had to make a comment, I would have to analyze many of the adjectives that were used, and I don't want to. I don't want to, honestly. I simply refer to the simplicity and truthfulness of the very brief statement that Benfica made.

Will Rafa play mainly on the wings?

He will play where he has to play. He won't play as a central defender or defensive midfielder, but he will play where he has to play. He is a player who comes to give without demanding, who comes to help, who comes home. He wants to respond positively to our needs and has a lot to give us. He is a differentiated player, of a higher level, and he comes to help us. If he doesn't play as a 10, he will play as a 9, if he doesn't play as a 9, he will play on the right wing, if he doesn't play on the right wing, he will play on the left wing.

When Rafa came on, there was a divided reaction from the fans, can it be negative or positive?

I don't know what to answer, honestly. But do you think I have time on the bench? Have you never been on the bench as a coach? On the bench, I don't have time, not even for applause or boos. If it's something monstrous, a monstrous applause or a monstrous boo, if there are 60,000 applauding or booing, you feel it, but in this case… It's natural that there are Benfica fans very happy and others less happy. People believe in what the president of Benfica says or in the stories that are sold. Rafa didn't leave in exchange for some good millions. Rafa stayed, postponed his departure for a year, and left with all his naturalness, to in the final part of his career earn what he never earned and what is not earned, obviously, in Portuguese football. Rafa's game today was well-achieved in parts. I would like to see Rafa score an important goal at Estádio da Luz and then we'll see if there are 30,000 booing and 30,000 applauding, or if there are 60,000 applauding.

Is the left wing the best for Sidny?

I think he played a good game. On the wings, at the moment, it's more important for us. And that's where he will be until the end of this season, but he's a player who gives us four options.

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