José Mourinho in conflict: Values players and publicly criticizes.

Benfica in Crisis: José Mourinho Between Praise and Public Strikes – Is the Club Burning Its Own Talent?

Sport Lisboa e Benfica is experiencing one of its most delicate moments in recent seasons, with the keyword inevitably being “consistency.” However, instability seems to be the only pattern at the red club, especially following the controversial statements made by coach José Mourinho after the draw against Casa Pia. How can a world-renowned coach, the club’s most prominent figure, value his players by starting them, and just 90 minutes later, publicly dismantle them in front of the media? This inconsistency raises a red flag for Benfica’s aspirations this season.

The current moment calls for deep reflection: after a season “well below expectations,” the club urgently needs to halt the frantic ups and downs in the squad that have characterized recent years and clearly invest in the young talents from the academy. Stability is vital for growth and for building a winning team.

Although Mourinho is not managing a squad he built from scratch, he has had more than enough time to leave his mark. However, the quality displayed on the pitch rarely matches the brilliance of his press conferences. On the bench and on the field, there are valid options, but there is undoubtedly a serious lack of self-criticism from the coach, who so far seems to avoid taking responsibility for the lack of quality in the game presented.

Irregularity is the word that defines this Benfica – a team that raises its level in European competitions against giants like Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid, but that struggles in league matches where it theoretically dominates. This unsettling contrast reveals a team that has yet to find its soul in national football. If the explanation for this apathy is indeed what Mourinho pointed out in the post-Casa Pia conference, then it is urgent for the club to address the matter with the discretion and mastery that the situation deserves. It is not necessary for the coach to publicly expose these weaknesses, as any attentive fan is already aware of them.

More than just a simple coach, Benfica needs a true architect, someone capable of protecting and nurturing this work in progress. Continuing with Mourinho means betting on the maturation of a project that cannot rely on momentary impulses. It is hoped that his recognized ability to shape winning teams will finally translate into the creation of an aggressive, cohesive collective with its own identity.

The real challenge for Mourinho will be to transform today’s public criticism into absolute protection tomorrow. When victories start to come, the players who are currently facing criticism will need to become the heroes of the club. This harmony is essential to turn the current labyrinth into a route to glory. The talent of the academy’s prospects will only flourish if it is protected by a solid and stable structure.

So let the Mourinho we all expect come: the coach of victories, impeccable strategy, and firm leadership. Because at Benfica, true strength comes from within, not from the public exposure of the squad’s weaknesses. The incarnate fortress demands respect, organization, and, above all, a leadership that knows when to praise in public… and when to correct in private.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.