The Portuguese coach was visibly frustrated with his team’s performance after Benfica’s draw against Casa Pia.
Mourinho, desperate after the draw with Benfica.
Benfica under Mourinho let a crucial opportunity slip through their fingers on Monday, severely denting their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season. The Lisbon side could only manage a draw against Casa Pia, a team fighting for survival, leaving them in third place with 66 points – seven behind Porto and two adrift of second-placed Sporting, who have a game in hand.
After the match, the Portuguese manager made no secret of his displeasure with his players’ display. Despite still having a mathematical chance to compete for a Champions League spot, Mourinho stated: “We lost the last remaining opportunity to fight for the title, and we no longer control our own destiny for second place.”
Following a disappointing first half from his side, Mourinho admitted to having a talk with the squad. “We discussed what needed to change tactically, and I tried to make them understand, because there are some players who seem disconnected from the game and forget the reality. I saw indifference, a lack of energy, no hunger from those who had so much at stake,” the Portuguese said.
Mourinho also expressed his dissatisfaction with certain members of his team: “There are profiles of players who, regardless of their bank account or titles, still have hunger. And then there are others who take life too lightly, and that saddens me. I need to think carefully, but at this moment, there are certain players I no longer want to see on the pitch with me. Simply put, I do not want to field them again.”