Jose Mourinho says Benfica-Real Madrid fallout has not been easy | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho says the days since Benfica’s clash with Real Madrid have been difficult, after the alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Junior by Gianluca Prestianni and the storm over his own post-match remarks.

“From the 50th minute until now, it hasn’t been easy to emotionally manage everything that has happened and continues to happen. Tomorrow (Saturday against AVS) there’s an important match for our ambitions and dreams. Winning is fundamental. We need to concentrate and be at our best,” he told Diario AS.

UEFA have opened an investigation. Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe said they heard Prestianni call Vinicius ‘monkey’. Prestianni has denied insulting him.

After the match, Mourinho criticised Vinicius for provocative celebrations and declined to take sides. Vinicius was reportedly furious, and Lilian Thuram said the remarks “reek of white superiority”.

“Gianluca Prestianni is suspended for the league match, and I have no problem anticipating that Fredrik Aursnes will have to stop if we have any hope of him being able to play in Madrid. He’s not fit to play tomorrow.”

If Prestianni does play at the Bernabeu, he will be fresh after missing Benfica’s tie with AVS this weekend. Aursnes remains a doubt.

Source: Football Espana