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Mourinho Blasts Benfica After Cup Win, Says He Wanted Nine Half-Time Changes

The outburst sharpened scrutiny of a team six points off Porto despite an unbeaten league record.

Overview

  • Benfica beat third-tier Atlético CP 2-0 in the Taça de Portugal fourth round, with Ricard Rios scoring on 73 minutes and Vangelis Pavlidis adding a quick second.
  • Mourinho condemned a "poor" first-half attitude and said only two players "wanted to play."
  • He made four substitutions at the interval and said the changes improved intensity and control.
  • The coach insisted the system was not the issue, criticised several starters, and singled out youngster Rodrigo Rego for praise as one he would not have withdrawn.
  • Mourinho’s record includes three Champions League defeats, and Benfica visit Ajax on Tuesday.