Mourinho Expresses Discontent: Anticipated Greater Performance
José Mourinho expressed his disappointment regarding Benfica’s performance against Chaves. Despite qualifying for the next round of the Taça de Portugal, he felt there was room for improvement.
Mourinho’s Assessment of Benfica’s Performance
Mourinho commented on the match, stating, “I think we controlled the game, but I’m not satisfied.” Benfica started strong but lacked the intensity in their offensive play. The early goal contributed to a sense of calmness among the players, leading to a slower game tempo. They spent too much time passing sideways and lacked depth in their attacks.
Second Half Improvements
The second half saw a marked improvement in Benfica’s intent to secure the win. Mourinho regretted that the team seemed to lose focus toward the end of the match. “It’s a shame we finished the game poorly,” he noted during his statements to RTP Notícias.
Credit to Opponents
Mourinho praised Chaves, recognizing their quality as a team and highlighting Filipe Martins, the Chaves coach, as an excellent strategist. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the challenges posed by opponents.
Focus on Upcoming Challenges
Despite the win, Mourinho reminded his players that success in cup competitions often involves overcoming strong teams. “Our main objective is different. This was just the first step, achieved with some comfort,” he stated.
Training Ahead
Looking ahead, Mourinho discussed the training schedule during the international break. He mentioned limited training sessions, with only five or six players available at times. “I expected a bit more from the players today,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for better execution of their tactical ideas.
- Mourinho’s main points:
- Discontent with the overall performance despite qualification.
- Need for greater intensity in attacking play.
- Acknowledgment of Chaves’ strong performance.
- Upcoming challenges will require more focus as they progress.
