Benfica’s coach, José Mourinho, addressed the media after his team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Gil Vicente in the Portuguese League. The Portuguese manager offered his candid thoughts on the performance, the team’s current state, and singled out a young talent.
Mourinho Calls for “Botox” and a “Methodological Whip”
Following the win, Mourinho acknowledged the team’s fatigue, stating, “There’s no time for major surgeries. At most,a little Botox in the exact locations to change the form and give youth.” He highlighted the demanding schedule, noting players like Aursnes are “sticking to the whole job” but are struggling. The coach emphasized the need for rest and a boost in confidence. He also stressed the importance of players adapting to his coaching style, suggesting a need for a “methodological whip” rather than just a psychological one, implying a need for different training approaches over time.
Praise for Young talent Gonçalo Moreira
Mourinho expressed his admiration for young midfielder Gonçalo Moreira, admitting, “I have a weakness for him.” However, he explained that the specific match situation didn’t lend itself to introducing the youngster. “The game was neither fantastic nor dramatic. It wasn’t his time,” Mourinho explained, adding that Moreira is scheduled to play in the upcoming match against Torreense.He also touched upon the team’s composition, noting the blend of new and experienced players, and the relative youth of the bench, with the oldest player being 25-year-old Barreiro.
Mourinho’s Take on Trubin’s Performance
When asked about goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin being named Benfica’s best player, Mourinho admitted he was “distracted” during the game and didn’t see it that way. He recounted Trubin’s crucial saves, including a double save early on and a save from a free-kick. He also mentioned two shots hitting the post and Trubin’s handling of crosses and long balls, but concluded, “I didn’t see anything special.”
