Mourinho and Lukebakio tension? Ex-Benfica winger recalls similar Sabry episode | OneFootball

Dodi Lukebakio’s days at Benfica may be numbered after he reacted angrily to being substituted in the 4-1 win over Moreirense and argued with José Mourinho. Former winger Carlitos has drawn a parallel with a 2000 clash involving Sabry.

"With Mourinho, the player in best form plays, not the one who wants to," he told Record. Signed from Real Madrid, Carlitos featured in nine of the 11 matches Mourinho oversaw at Benfica.

Lukebakio threw his jacket to the ground, vented on the bench and confronted the coach after being taken off. Mourinho later said the Belgian felt he did not deserve to be substituted, adding that his own response had been stronger.

Carlitos recalled a similar flashpoint in 2000 after Sabry gave an interview accusing Mourinho of disliking him. The coach hit back at the time, branding the interview a lie and criticising the Egyptian’s offside record, positional play and reluctance away from home. "Sabry explained himself to the squad in a dressing-room meeting and said he had been misinterpreted."

"What happened on Saturday is normal in football, although coaches react differently. Unless there are other issues from before, this sensitive situation is not enough for a rupture." "Mourinho gives everything to his players and expects it to be repaid." Mourinho and the 28-year-old Belgian international will meet this week to review what happened at Estádio da Luz.

Source: Glorioso 1904