“Mourinho is the ‘special one’, but he fails against the big teams like he did with Benfica.”

José Mourinho, the acclaimed “Special One,” is going through a challenging moment in his return to Benfica, 25 years after his first stint at the club. The Portuguese coach, who has won titles on various international stages, has yet to defeat his major rivals in Portugal: FC Porto, Sporting, and Sp. Braga. This dismal record, which includes two losses and four draws, raises questions about Mourinho’s ability to handle the pressure and competitiveness of Portuguese football today.

Recent statements from a Portuguese international, who was part of Benfica’s history, reflect the frustration that many fans feel regarding the current situation. “The effort of José Mourinho’s team was evident, but the lack of results against direct rivals is concerning,” he said, emphasizing the need for the team to find more effective solutions to overcome their opponents. The pressure on Mourinho is mounting as the matches pile up and victories become a mirage.

In addition to his struggle in the league, Mourinho has also had to deal with off-field incidents that do not help his cause. A recent episode involving player Pepê, who was hit by a lighter during a match, was reported to the League Delegate and generated significant buzz among fans and the press. Such distractions can affect the team’s morale and concentration, something that Mourinho will have to manage skillfully.

The situation is even more complex with the emergence of criticism from figures in football and the media. Nick Harris, a well-known journalist, wrote an article exposing several controversial episodes, including the backlash from users regarding a video of an Italian player promoting the Saudi regime. Such situations only increase the pressure on Mourinho, who finds himself at the center of a whirlwind of criticism and challenges.

The truth is that the “Special One” needs to find a way to reverse the negative trend. With time passing and matches becoming scarce, Mourinho’s future at Benfica may depend on his next actions on the pitch. If he fails to defeat his historic rivals, what seemed like a triumphant return could quickly turn into a nightmare for the coach, who still aspires to leave his mark in the club’s history.