“Mourinho talks about Otamendi’s future and Benfica’s squad.”

José Mourinho does not hide his frustration, but makes it clear: the squad of Benfica is now completely his, and deep changes are out of the question. The Portuguese coach, who arrived in Lisbon to lead the Eagles, reveals a scenario of intense work with the club’s structure and offers hints about the immediate future of the team, including the situation of experienced defender Nicolás Otamendi.

When Mourinho took over at Benfica, he found a team that he had not built – “When I arrived, the squad was not mine. Now it is.” Over the past seven months, the coach has managed to shape the group to his style, transforming it into a true reflection of his playing philosophy. “There is a big difference. One thing is for a coach to come in and the squad not be his, another is to be here for seven months and now it is mine. And as the coach of Benfica, this is my squad.”

A close relationship with management is another key point for Mourinho. The Special One does not hesitate to reveal that he maintains frequent contact with president Rui Costa and the sporting director, with whom he shares documents and detailed analyses to adjust the squad. “I have held meetings with the structure, president and director, as I always do because I like to be accountable for my responsibilities and my – I don’t want to say decisions – analyses and opinions. I do it in writing. There are my documents in the hands of the president and the director. And we have been together quite frequently in an attempt to improve my squad.”

A total overhaul is out of the question. Mourinho advocates a surgical approach that preserves key players, valuing continuity and the development of those who have already shown growth throughout the season. “This squad is mine and, if I continue next season, it will continue to be. It will, objectively, have some adjustments to be more reflective of me, to have something more of my own, as they say in England: the fingerprint. But this squad is mine and I like it. One thing is to adapt it to a certain type of personality and way of seeing football, another thing is radical changes. And I am completely against radical changes.”

The Portuguese coach also highlights the development of several players that leave him optimistic for the next season. “There are many people here who have had important developments and who leave me hopeful that, next season, they can be better.”

Regarding the future of Nicolás Otamendi, a player who represents experience and leadership in the defense of Benfica, Mourinho did not go into great detail, but the context of the squad planning indicates that the Argentine’s continuation will depend on his adaptation to the profile the coach wants for the team.

This firm stance from Mourinho reveals a Benfica undergoing intelligent reconstruction, where the focus is on maintaining stability and reinforcing the coach’s identity within the squad. For the fans, this is a clear message: the project is being consolidated with method and ambition, and the time for radical revolutions has passed. The next season promises more Benfica in the image of the Special One – calculating, strategic, and determined to return to the top of Portuguese football.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.