Jose Mourinho has been called out for Benfica’s performance this season, with one of the club legends labeling their season a “complete disaster”.
Mourinho arrived in Portugal with a lot of positivity but things have not worked out fine. Benfica have been dumped out of the Champions League, the Taca de Portugal, and the Taca da Liga.
A 2-2 draw against rivals FC Porto last weekend means Benfica are languishing seven points behind the Liga Portugal leaders, leaving their title hopes hanging by a thread.
With the Special One team now likely to end the season trophyless, club legend Alvaro Magalhaes pulled no punches when sharing his thoughts.
According to the former defender, who helped Benfica win ten trophies in nine years at the club, Mourinho’s tactical approach saw them draw the match against Porto.
Referee Joao Pinheiro speaks with Jose Mourinho during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Benfica and FC Porto (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Speaking to Antena 1, he said: “A victory was fundamental to close the gap, but Benfica conceded too much space and Porto, with high-quality players, took advantage. ”
“They were far superior in midfield. Porto were much better and could have scored more than two goals.”
Magalhaes also questioned Mourinho’s decision-making on the touchline, specifically regarding the timing of his tactical shifts. “Jose Mourinho’s substitutions were, as he has accustomed us to, very late. We expected changes in midfield at halftime.”
Jose Mourinho has been criticized for Benfica’s performance this season. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Despite significant financial backing in the transfer market, the results have failed to materialize, leading to accusations that the season’s objectives have been systematically failed.
“This season is not to be forgotten; it is to be analyzed,” Magalhaes said. “I have that eternal hope for the championship, but it is an unhappy season for Benfica. With the investment made, the objective had to be winning the league, the cup, and going as far as possible in the Champions League. It’s been a complete disaster.”
Benfica are unbeaten in the Liga Portugal this term, but currently sit in third place with 59 points from 25 matches, three points behind Sporting and seven points behind leaders FC Porto.
They will now be eager to get back to winning ways when they face Arouca in the league..
