Mourinho at Benfica: Christmas Message to Young Players

Christmas dinner Benfica Campus was marked by the presence of José Mourinho and several members of the first team squad, trained at Seixal. Tomás AraújoJoão Rego, Rodrigo Rêgo e Nuno Felix They had dinner at the Reds’ training center, among young people from various training levels.

The four members of the main squad also participated in the distribution of gifts, as did José Mourinho who addressed the young Reds during dinner. «Without a doubt, being here with you makes me realize that It’s a dream for everyone to reach where our elders have already reached», began by saying the coach of the reds, who has already debuted five young players from Seixal since returning to Benficain September.

Mourinho admitted that he doesn’t want to stay here and continue to give opportunities to the Reds: «I don’t know how many years I’m going to stay here, but I would really like to be able to continue do what we have already done, which is to open the door to dreams.»

The Benfica coach, who often dines at the Benfica Campus, joked during his speech with a group of “tricksters”, made up of several children from the red youth ranks. On a more serious note, Mourinho highlighted the importance of the Reds’ staff in preparing the young Eagles for the future: «For us, coaches, it is almost an obligatory mission to give everything we have for our players, in this case, for the kids. The gentlemen and ladies who work here and who are your family are spectacular. Merry Christmas for you and your families.”

Joaquim Milheiro, technical director of the Reds, highlighted that the moments of communion between the main squad and all levels of training are common throughout the year: «Having these different generations connected in such a profound way is inspiring for these playersbecause they see those on team A references who also want to follow up. We also had the technical structure of team A present here, with the Mister José Mourinho is always very close to our players. People who welcome all these children with great warmth every day.”

The general director for football, Mário Branco, and vice-president Manuel de Brito were also present at the Benfica Campus.