The Crying One - Mourinho sets up excuse for collapse
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.08.25. | 11:14
The famous coach, ahead of the Champions League playoff rematch, complained more about his club’s management than he focused on his team’s performance tonight
Fenerbahce will travel to face Benfica in the UEFA Champions League play-off round rematch, and coach Jose Mourinho shared his thoughts at the pre-match press conference.
With our fans behind us, we give everything until the final whistle.#SLBvFB #UCL
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) August 26, 2025
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Mourinho described Benfica as a “compact team” and “a very good team” that has invested heavily to reach the Champions League. “They have bought strong and experienced players. They are a compact team. They are solid in defense. This time they will have a great stadium support behind them. I can say that." The Portuguese coach, however, emphasized that his squad will not be intimidated by the atmosphere.
When asked about Benfica’s manager, Bruno Lage, Mourinho said: "I like Bruno Lage and I respect his career as a manager. Bruno is a good manager. He has never coached a big team like Benfica before, but at this stage of his career he is coaching Benfica. I wish him success except tomorrow." Reinforcing his team’s focus, Mourinho added, "Our only goal tomorrow is to win."
Mourinho asked about always beating Benfica:
— IM🇵🇹 (@Iconic_Mourinho) August 19, 2025
"I always beat Benfica because my teams were always better than Benfica. My Porto was much better than Benfica, my United was better than Benfica and even my União de Leiria was better than Benfica."
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Ahead of the clash, Mourinho also addressed transfer matters in an interview with Sport TV. He remarked: "I don't think about the transfer of Kerem Akturkoglu. I don't think the club made an extra effort to give me more opportunities for these two Benfica games. If the Champions League was vital for my club, something would have been done in the time between Feyenoord and Benfica. The same players who played against Feyenoord will be on the pitch. When this is over, whether it's the Europa League or the Champions League, there will be a definite time for the UEFA list. I don't know if anything will happen until then."
