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

Vítor Pinto, journalist at Record, anticipates how FC Porto fans might react to Benfica’s coach in the upcoming classic.

“If it weren’t for that tribute at the Dragão before Mourinho became Benfica’s coach, it would be insulting if José Mourinho entered the Dragão now and wasn’t applauded. One thing is what happens after the kickoff, and from then on, I hope that some of those fan groups – which are now reduced to the bare minimum – don’t start insulting Mourinho because that makes no sense at all. Mourinho, now at Benfica, will defend Benfica to the death, as he should. Just like when he was at FC Porto, he stood up to everyone he needed to, and some of his interventions in defense of FC Porto became famous. But if he’s 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 did they chant against Mourinho? José Mourinho was honored at the Dragão on September 13, the matter is settled. If he hadn’t been, I would be shocked and would be the first to criticize the fact that they hadn’t recognized Mourinho’s history and legacy at FC Porto.”

“Mourinho enters the field, he’s applauded, he thanks the crowd, and when the whistle blows, it’s every man for himself and it’s all about winning. These are different things—ingratitude is not acceptable, not from one side or the other.”

Pinto called for a distinction between recognition and rivalry: he expects applause upon entry, Mourinho’s gratitude, and after the kickoff, 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.