Benfica remained undefeated in domestic competitions under Mourinho, but they started disjointedly against third-division opponent Atletico CP. This angered the 62-year-old coach, leading him to make four substitutions at the start of the second half. The visitors scored two goals in the 73rd and 77th minutes, but the 62-year-old coach still criticized his players after the match.

"The first half was very bad. What hurt me the most was the players' attitude", Mourinho stated. "I made four substitutions, but the truth is I wanted to change nine. Only two deserved to continue playing. I do not like players who betray me."

Head coach Jose Mourinho (second from left) during the match between Benfica and Atletico CP at Tapadinha Stadium, Lisbon, Portugal, on the evening of 21/11/2025. *Photo: AFP*

Mourinho added that he wanted his players to play seriously, even against a significantly weaker opponent. Therefore, the team's victory did not make him happy.

The four players substituted after the first half were Joao Rego, Tomas Araujo, Franjo Ivanovic, and Enzo Barrenechea. Afterward, Benfica improved significantly due to the energy from the new players, with Richard Rios scoring the opening goal and Vangelis Pavlidis sealing the 2-0 victory from a penalty.

Mourinho also praised young defender Rodrigo Rego, one of the two players he felt had not betrayed him. "I am not sure Rego played well, but he did not disappoint me. I do not like those who disappoint me", the Portuguese coach added.

Mourinho believes that criticizing his players also means criticizing himself. "I must take responsibility towards the fans, and so must the players", he said.

Benfica currently ranks 3rd in the Portuguese league, 6 points behind Porto. However, the biggest issue lies in the Champions League, where Mourinho has lost all three matches since taking charge, against Chelsea, Newcastle, and Bayer Leverkusen, without scoring a goal.

Decisive actions and firm statements are not new for Mourinho. He once substituted Joe Cole after just 25 minutes while managing Chelsea in 2006. The 'Special One' also brought on and then substituted Nemanja Matic in less than 30 minutes. Mourinho is always ready to punish players who do not meet his expectations.

In their next match, Mourinho's team has a chance to win their first Champions League game when they face struggling Ajax on the evening of 25/11.

By Hoang An