On May 12, Yuhupu announced that Benfica played against Braga at home and ended up with a 2-2 draw. At this time, whether it can successfully enter the Champions League next season is no longer within its control. With only one round left in the league, Benfica is two points behind Sporting CP. This situation no longer allows anyone to be optimistic. After the game, Benfica coach Mourinho not only expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the level of referees in the Portuguese Super League this season, but also further talked about his professional attitude and protection of players.
1. Talking about the referee: It’s hopelessly bad.
When asked about the controversial penalties in this game and whether the referees were generally unfavorable to Benfica this season, Mourinho said unequivocally: "Mentioning referees? In fact, I feel there is no need to talk about it. There is only the last round of the league left. What I want to express is that the referee's performance has been extremely bad, and it cannot be worse than this. I don't want to waste my time on this topic, after all, there is no benefit in talking more."
2. Talking about performance: losing second place is not because of poor performance
Although a draw may prevent Benfica from entering the Champions League, Mourinho is deeply proud of the team's competitive state. He said that this game is actually a reflection of Benfica's entire season. There are a lot of opportunities, but the number of goals is small; except for the situation against Casapia, we are in Our performance at the end of the season was very good, controlling most of the game; today against Braga, we had a high-quality game; the opponent scored two goals with only three or four shots in the game, and the efficiency was amazing; and we showed our courage and fighting spirit, and tried our best to equalize when we fell behind. If, after all the hard work, we end up in second place and thus lose control of our destiny, it is not at all due to poor performance or the players not giving their full best. ".
3. Talking about professional ethics: I have never had any personal contact with Real Madrid
In the face of widely circulated rumors about his return to Real Madrid, Mourinho showed a particularly strong anger and tried his best to protect his reputation.
Are the words spoken sounding like farewell? No, that is respect for the club. I want to make it clear once again: I have not had any conversations with any club, including the current rumored Real Madrid.
In the sprint period of the season, I chose to isolate myself and just concentrate on my work at Benfica. This is the least respect I have for this profession and for Benfica. No one, except some hopeless fools, can question my professional dignity and integrity. Next week, of course I will give everyone a clear explanation.
4. Talking about the players: Today I have to stand up and protect them
Mourinho explained the reason for his strong praise of the players after the game, which was in sharp contrast to his previous attitude of criticizing the players. "Football is often cruel and unfair. I severely reprimanded them after playing against Casapia because they lacked fighting spirit at the time. I have also received a lot of criticism for this, but today is different. Today, people may think that Benfica cannot get second place, and they will turn to attack the players, so today I must stand up to defend them, because their performance today deserves respect.”
5. Talking about the risk of suspension: I don’t want to start the new season with a “fine ticket”
At the end of the interview, Mourinho explained his restraint in evaluating referees. He said, "The reason why I only mentioned it slightly is because I don't want to be saddled with a suspension at the beginning of the next season. In the third game in Rome For three seasons, it was a terrible feeling to not be able to direct the game at the start of the game due to the punishment received the previous year, and it was not beneficial to the club. So, please stay calm, there is only one week left until the answer is revealed."
That defensive line looks really shaky tonight.