Benfica head coach José Mourinho kept his squad at the club’s training facility following their 3–1 defeat to Braga in the Portuguese League Cup semi-finals, insisting the players should reflect on the setback rather than enjoy time off.
Benfica were eliminated on Wednesday, finishing the match with 10 men after defender Nicolás Otamendi was sent off. The loss ruled the Lisbon side out of the final and prolonged a difficult run under the Portuguese manager.
According to BBC Sport, Mourinho said at his post-match press conference that the team would stay at Benfica’s Seixal training base for the next few days, with training sessions scheduled despite having no fixture this weekend.
“The players will sleep in Seixal. On Thursday there is training, and the following day there is training,” Mourinho said. “Since there is no final on Saturday, our next match is against Porto next Wednesday.”
He added that he wanted his players to spend the night thinking about their performance rather than resting. “I hope they sleep as well as I do, which means not sleeping at all,” he remarked. “Instead, they should think a lot, just as I will.”
Mourinho, who took over as Benfica manager in September, is in his first season in charge of the club. The League Cup exit represents a setback as Benfica turn their focus to a crucial league clash against rivals Porto next week.
The 61-year-old began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000, but his initial stint at the club lasted only 10 matches before ending following a disagreement with the club’s president.