"Currently, there are some players I no longer want to see on the field", Mourinho stated after the match on 7/4. "I simply don't want them to continue playing, but they are still a valuable part of the club. Even if I wanted to sell them, I would still let them play to maintain their transfer value. Some seem to have lost touch with reality, as if they are not living for football."

In the 1-1 draw against Casa Pia – a team battling relegation – on 7/4, Benfica held over 70% possession and scored first. Despite the result, Mourinho's team remains the only undefeated side after 28 rounds in the Portuguese national league, yet they have dropped to third in the standings with nine draws. With only six rounds remaining and seven points behind league leaders Porto, Benfica's championship hopes are virtually gone.

Mourinho during the match against Casa Pia, at Estadio Municipal de Rio Maior, Rio Maior, Portugal on 7/4. Photo: Reuters

"Benfica has squandered its last chance to compete for the championship, losing the right to contend for the title until the end", Mourinho added. "The team has also lost control in the race for a top-two spot to qualify for the Champions League – something that was entirely within our grasp before. The draw didn't just cost Benfica two points; it cost us much more."

According to the Portuguese strategist, Benfica has paid the price for too many draws, influenced by both subjective and objective factors. He delved into the players' mindset, classifying the squad into two opposing groups.

"There are players who are desperate to win, and then there are others who seem to live too superficially", Mourinho observed. "That makes me very sad. They are not bad people or poor players, but they seriously lack personality. I have been coaching for 34 years, and I have seen many players who lack that courage."

Alongside internal issues, Mourinho also pointed to external factors that significantly impact the league, particularly refereeing, which allowed opponents to constantly waste time by falling to the ground. However, despite these difficulties, Mourinho affirmed his desire to continue his journey at Benfica. "Jorge Mendes is my agent, but I am the master of my personal decisions, and I want to stay", Mourinho stated.

Mourinho left Fenerbahce to coach Benfica in 2025. Under his leadership, Benfica remains the only team in Europe's major leagues to maintain an unbeaten record this season. They are just six matches away from achieving a historic unbeaten milestone in the Portuguese national league.

Vy Anh