Vítor Pinto: “I hope José Mourinho gets a warm reception at the Dragão” | OneFootball

Vítor Pinto, journalist for Record, anticipates how FC Porto fans might react to the Benfica coach in the classic match.

“If it weren't for that tribute at the Dragão before Mourinho became the coach of Benfica, it would be insulting when José Mourinho now enters the Dragão and isn't applauded. One thing is when the initial whistle blows, and from then on, I hope that some of those fan groups – which are now reduced to a minimal presence, don't start insulting Mourinho because that makes no sense. Mourinho clearly at Benfica will defend Benfica to the death as he must. Just like when he was at FC Porto, he clashed with everyone he had to, and some of his interventions in defense of FC Porto became famous. But if he is coaching Benfica, what do they expect? That he rolls out a blue carpet for FC Porto to win the game and fall 7 points behind?”

“But why are they criticizing Mourinho? Why were chants made against Mourinho? José Mourinho was honored at the Dragão on September 13th, the matter is settled. If it hadn't been, I would be shocked and would be here at the forefront criticizing the fact that they didn't recognize Mourinho's history and legacy at FC Porto.”

“Mourinho enters the field, is applauded, he thanks, and when the initial whistle blows, it's every man for himself and it's about winning. These are different things, ingratitude is not acceptable, neither from one side nor the other.”

Pinto called for a distinction between recognition and rivalry: he expects applause upon entrance, Mourinho's gratitude, and after the initial whistle, competition for victory without ingratitude from either side.

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