Benfica, under the leadership of José Mourinho, is redefining the concept of modern football, and one of the players who has witnessed this firsthand is Willian. In an exclusive interview, the Brazilian, who has played under the “Special One” at Chelsea, reveals Mourinho’s work methodology and his unique ability to bring out the best in each player.
Mourinho does not limit himself to dominating ball possession; he wants to control the space and time of his opponents. Since arriving at Estádio da Luz, high pressing has become the team’s trademark, positioning the “Eagles” as one of the European references in this aspect. The team’s clear identity and the non-negotiable behaviors established by Mourinho have been evident throughout his management, which has already lasted five months and included 30 matches.
The numbers speak for themselves: 29 shots against Alverca, 24 against Tondela, and 22 against Real Madrid. Although Mourinho admits that finishing efficiency still needs improvement, the concept of “chasing the opponent” has become an undeniable reality. Willian recalls Mourinho’s rigidity and defensive strategy: “He was very demanding in terms of defensive work, but he always sought to balance one side more than the other.”
The former Chelsea player explains that under Mourinho’s guidance, the wingers were positioned to maintain defensive balance, allowing one player to always be in an offensive position to quickly attack after regaining possession of the ball. “If both wingers dropped back, the team would end up winning the ball far from the opponent’s goal,” says Willian, who is now shining at Grêmio.
The statistics are clear: in the Portuguese league, Benfica has the best average of ball recoveries in the opponent’s midfield, with 5.8 per game. The high press pushes opponents into their own defensive third, forcing them to play hurriedly and long. What is seen on the field, both against teams like Alverca and Tondela as well as against the giant Real Madrid, is a team that not only maintains possession but also dictates where the game unfolds.
When evaluating the performance of Benfica from a European perspective, the comparisons become even more impressive. In leagues such as Serie A, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Premier League, and Ligue 1, Benfica occupies a prominent position regarding recoveries in the opponent’s half, standing out as one of the teams with the highest effectiveness in this aspect. In the Champions League, following a dramatic victory over Real Madrid, the “Eagles” continue to impress, averaging 6.1 recoveries in advanced areas.
Willian praises Mourinho’s ability to manage the squad: “He has always known how to manage the entire group, and his group management was – and continues to be – very good. He was respected by everyone and made a significant impact both in the locker room and at the club.” For Willian, Mourinho never seemed lost; he always knew exactly what needed to be done, whether in defense or attack. “Sometimes, 10 minutes were enough for the players to understand exactly what he wanted for the game. He is definitely an exceptional and very intelligent coach,” he concludes.
Mourinho believes that the pressure starts from the attack, where the forwards are the first defenders. This principle has been evident in the performances of young players like Prestianni and Schjelderup, who have shown a clear evolution in their ability to press and disrupt the opponents’ build-up play.
Despite the success, Mourinho remains focused on improving timing and collective coordination, with the aim of having an increasingly aggressive team in pressing and closer to the opponent’s goal. The future of Benfica under Mourinho’s leadership promises to be not only exciting but also filled with achievements.
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