José Mourinho unhappy with Benfica's handling of controversies and perceived lack of support | OneFootball

José Mourinho is dissatisfied with how Benfica have handled recent controversies, particularly their institutional communication, which he views as too restrained. The blackout and Rui Costa’s recent interventions have followed as a response to that unease.

Correio da Manhã reports that Mourinho believes the hierarchy should take a firmer, more consistent stand in defending the club’s interests. Since the incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vini Jr in the Champions League against Real Madrid, he is said to have felt support was lacking, first for the player then for the team, leaving him isolated.

In recent weeks he has been the leading public critic of refereeing, while Benfica have largely responded through official statements. His dismissal in the Clássico against Porto intensified the discontent, prompting the club to appeal the ban.

Since then Mourinho has remained publicly silent, in line with the board. Discomfort sharpened after Benfica did not react immediately when the sanction became known, with a firmer stance only emerging days later.

At the Cosme Damião awards, Rui Costa delivered a robust defence of the coach, saying the club could not accept what he called an unacceptable ban for acts he said had been proven not to have happened, and demanding rigour, respect and equal competition. He also vowed the team would fight to the last breath.

Source: Glorioso 1904