Mourinho's derby message: what the Benfica boss's gesture meant | OneFootball

One of the incidents that got people talking after the derby was the gesture that José Mourinho made at the end, after the win over Sporting (2-1). According to what the press was able to gather, the finger movement made by the Benfica coach was aimed at the critics who, on a daily basis, have been analyzing the work done by the Portuguese manager.

According to what was reported by the newspaper O Jogo, José Mourinho decided to send a message to the voices that have been criticizing him, demanding more respect for his name. However, the same source explains that this was not the Portuguese coach’s focus throughout the match, as he was more concentrated on ensuring Benfica finish the season in the best possible way.

It is worth remembering that, at the press conference, the Portuguese coach was asked about the meaning of the gesture, which he did not want to put into words. However, the sports daily maintains that the movement made by the Special One was intended to target his critics and demand more respect for his career in football.

The truth is that the win over Sporting ended up having a special feel for those involved. José Mourinho remains unbeaten in clashes against the Lions. Rafa Silva, meanwhile, increased the number of goals he has scored against the rival, which is the forward’s second-biggest victim. Finally, Benfica ended a four-year drought without a win at the home of the green-and-whites.

It should be remembered that the team led by José Mourinho beat Sporting, at Alvalade, thanks to goals from Andreas Schjelderup (27') and Rafa Silva (90+3'). With this result, Benfica moved provisionally into second place in the Liga Portugal Betclic with 72 points, but the Lions can reclaim the spot, as they have a game in hand.

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