José Mourinho, the iconic coach of the Benfica team, did not hesitate to praise the qualities of his player Samuel Dahl after the latter’s absence from the Swedish national team’s call-up for the World Cup 2026 playoff against Ukraine. The decision by Graham Potter, the Swedish coach, surprised many, especially considering the remarkable performance of the left-back at the Portuguese club. Although Mourinho chose not to criticize the decision of his fellow professional, his words overflow with admiration and recognition for Dahl’s talent.
“He has been fantastic and has shown incredible development since I arrived here. He plays every minute of every game. He is very reliable in defense and very consistent in attack. Dahl is a top-level player,” Mourinho stated in an interview with the portal ‘Sport Bladet’. The coach, known for his frankness, also made it clear that he was not surprised by Potter’s choice, emphasizing the respect he has for the decisions made by his peers. “I never get surprised by what my colleagues do, because I respect the decisions they make. Potter will have to explain why Samuel Dahl is not in the national team,” he underscored.
Furthermore, Mourinho revealed that he had no contact with Potter regarding the situation, but expressed his full availability to support his colleague should he need any guidance. “I haven’t had any contact with Graham Potter. But if he needs me, I am always available to help my players,” he commented, demonstrating his professional ethics and camaraderie in the world of football.
Meanwhile, Samuel Dahl, who is representing the Swedish under-21 national team in matches against Azerbaijan and Scotland, seems to have found a new lease of life after being called up, especially following a month in which he was not included in Mourinho’s options. Additionally, there are rumors that the full-back is set to formalize a new contract as soon as he returns.
On a broader note, the competitive atmosphere in Portuguese football continues to be marked by tensions, as seen recently with the lawyer who lamented that Benfica has never filed a complaint against the dragons with the Disciplinary Council. Amid this heated climate, the focus remains on the performances of the players and the tactical decisions of the coaches, with Mourinho and Dahl being central figures in their respective narratives.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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