Mourinho criticizes the refereeing: Other big teams had more luck.

José Mourinho does not hold back when evaluating the refereeing and the quality of the pitch in his most recent match, where his team, Benfica, triumphed over Santa Clara, but not without some controversies. In a thorough analysis of his players’ performance and the impact of the playing surface, the Portuguese coach expressed concerns that go beyond mere results.

Mourinho highlighted the importance of player Pavlidis, who not only scored a goal but also provided an assist, playing a crucial role in the outcome of the match. “Everyone had importance. Obviously, scoring a goal and an assist, working as hard as he did, is significant and defines our game. Some adapted better, others worse, but those who were on the pitch gave what they had to give,” the coach stated. He noted that despite hopes for a calm second half after a promising start, the match became intense, especially after Santa Clara reduced the deficit to 2-1.

The issue of refereeing did not go unnoticed. Mourinho was incisive when commenting on two controversial incidents: “The penalty on Barreiro is huge, and the penalty on Prestianni, if it’s not huge, at least it’s sizable.” He hinted that, under different circumstances, the result could have been much more favorable for his opponent, questioning the impartiality of the decisions. “If the shirts were different colors, there would surely be a penalty. For Benfica, it’s tough. I don’t quite know how to justify it; there are things that continue to be incomprehensible.”

Mourinho continued his analysis, stating that Benfica’s defensive cohesion was crucial in limiting Santa Clara’s opportunities, although he also acknowledged that his team could have sought more goals. “Santa Clara’s goal changed the nature of the game. We always tried to push forward, looking for the third goal that would give us peace of mind,” he commented, reflecting on the pressure he felt in the final moments of the match.

The coach did not hold back in criticizing the state of the pitch, describing it as a “disaster.” He revealed that even the players from Santa Clara expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the field, which, according to him, hinders the performance of the teams. “A player from Santa Clara told me that there is no solution, regardless of the type of boots worn,” Mourinho said, showing his concern about the conditions affecting the quality of the game.

When addressing the issue of the pitch, Mourinho concluded emphatically: “From now on, it’s not my problem, I won’t be back this season, but Santa Clara needs to win games to stay up… a beautiful club, on a beautiful island deserves a better pitch.” With these words, the coach not only criticized the state of the grass but also shed light on the need for improvements that could benefit football in the region.

Mourinho, always the central figure that he is, continues to spark heated debates with his statements. His critical view on refereeing and the conditions of the game promises to make waves in the upcoming analyses of the season, as Benfica prepares for the challenges ahead.