Mourinho no Benfica: Mérito, Resistência e o Futuro das Águias

Mourinho’s Benfica: A Season of Resilience and Rebuilding

Despite the outcomes of Sporting and FC Porto’s matches today, it’s fair to recognize the work José Mourinho has been doing at Benfica and the team’s response in a season marked by several contingencies, internal problems, and some misjudgments. The team has revealed soul and resistance, alternating between the imminence of failure and the astonishment of success.

Navigating a Challenging Season

Mathematically, Benfica can still dream of the title – or at least second place, essential for guaranteeing access to the 2026/2027 Champions League. In Europe, the historic victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage has reinforced the belief that surpassing them in the playoff for access to the round of 16 is possible. Difficult, but possible. This reflects the humility and commitment of the players and Mourinho’s ability to lead and unite the group, preventing anyone from giving up.

The season began with difficulty, with Benfica practically without a break after a grueling participation in the Club World Cup in the United States. This was followed by Bruno Lage’s dismissal, the departure of important players, and anticipated reinforcements that didn’t materialize (like João Félix). Then came Mourinho. Initial enthusiasm quickly gave way to the manager’s frustration, finding a short squad for his ideas, with a lot of youth and a worrying number of injuries. Throughout the season, even more absences appeared, forcing Mourinho to readjust the plan and get the best out of the players’ individual characteristics – and he succeeded.

A Cohesive Spirit Emerges

The January transfer window didn’t deliver as much as hoped. However, this may have been positive: the current Benfica side is more competitive, cohesive, and confident. It’s not a brilliant team, but it has gained dimension, and character. This Benfica, under José Mourinho, has faced storms, been heavily criticized – and sometimes, perhaps rightly so – but has as well known how to recover and regain the support of the fans. There’s a spirit that the coach recalled at his presentation: “It’s that Benfica I identify with, the one I grew up with. It wins many times. When it doesn’t win, it loses in a way that people feel they lost with it.”

Mourinho continues to have a strong influence, benefiting the players and the Benfica structure in general. Even if the objectives aren’t fully achieved, his impact this season is undeniable.

The Path Forward: Youth and Stability

Regardless of whether Benfica finishes the championship in first, second, or third place, a solid starting point for building a stronger next season is evident. Qualification for the Champions League, regardless of the stage reached, reinforces this base and offers a perspective of sustained growth.

Investing in youth development must be an inevitable path, essential to reduce the disadvantage compared to the quality that the main rivals have achieved in recent years. There’s a journey to take to return Benfica to the top, and it’s reasonable to say that if the manager wasn’t José Mourinho, not just for his tactical skills, but for the dimension and influence he has, the moment would be particularly different – and probably worse.

FAQ

Q: What challenges did Mourinho face upon returning to Benfica?
A: He inherited a squad short on numbers, with many young players, and a significant number of injuries following a demanding Club World Cup campaign.

Q: How has Mourinho impacted the team’s spirit?
A: He has fostered a sense of unity and resilience, preventing the team from giving up despite facing adversity.

Q: Is Champions League qualification important for Benfica’s future?
A: Yes, it provides a solid foundation for building a stronger team and attracting investment.

Q: What is Mourinho’s overall assessment of the team’s performance?
A: He believes the team has shown character and commitment, even if results haven’t always been ideal.