“Mourinho talks about Richard Ríos’ injury and his determination not to give up.”

After Benfica’s bitter defeat (1-0) at the Estádio do Dragão, José Mourinho did not hesitate to express his discontent with the result, believing that the Eagles deserved much more for their effort on the pitch. The Portuguese coach took the opportunity to send a message of support to his players, highlighting the bravery of Richard Ríos, who took to the field despite being hampered by physical issues. “Never give up,” Mourinho reaffirmed, emphasizing that the season’s objectives are still very much alive.

Mourinho began by analyzing Benfica’s performance, stating that the team deserved a better result. “It’s not easy to play against FC Porto, especially at the Dragão. The way we played, we deserved more. The missed goal in the 90th minute is a reflection of that,” Mourinho said. He praised how the team dealt with the pressure and challenges of the match, even with significant absences in their lineup. “We controlled well, despite all the problems we had — absences, forced substitutions — and the boys did very well. We just lacked the goal, which we could have scored on several occasions.”

Regarding the strategic choices he made, Mourinho explained his decision to bring on Sidny Lopes Cabral and Prestianni. “The goal was to have wide players who would limit the offensive play of FC Porto’s full-backs and, at the same time, press in situations as we managed to do. We needed to be more aggressive and control possession,” he stated. However, Ríos’s departure due to injury complicated matters, reducing the team’s physicality, a crucial factor against an opponent known for its intensity.

When asked about the personal impact of the elimination from the Cup, Mourinho responded incisively. “I’m always here to win. Personally? I’m focused on winning on Saturday. Rio Ave will be a tough game, but we have to keep fighting,” he reiterated, showing determination to face the upcoming challenges, even in light of a tight schedule and a limited squad.

The issue of Ríos’ injury was also addressed, with Mourinho confirming that it is a “significant injury,” but praising the player’s mentality. “He made himself available to fight, but the situation required more from Sudakov at that moment. Ríos is the kind of player who approaches injuries differently, focusing on helping the team when it needs it most,” said Mourinho, acknowledging Ríos’ importance within the squad, even though his participation in the upcoming game against Rio Ave is still not guaranteed.

With an uncertain future but filled with challenges ahead, Mourinho remains steadfast in his belief that the team can turn things around, ensuring that the focus remains on winning, regardless of the adversities. “Winning is the most important thing. FC Porto won, it doesn’t matter how,” he concluded, reaffirming his belief in Benfica’s ability to overcome difficulties and fight for their goals this season.