Mourinho: Criticizing players after the game? That matter is over. The team is now very focused and motivated.

November 25th: At the pre-match press conference against Ajax, Benfica coach Mourinho also gave a straightforward response to sensitive topics such as player management, media criticism and the use of young players.

Regarding your remarks after the last game, was that to stimulate the players? Has it worked?

Mourinho: "I have Pavlidis standing on my left, and he can completely confirm everything I said in the media and I said it to the players. I don't think it's a big fuss, but I understand that you have to keep discussing and debating. But the reality is that for me and the players, that matter is over. That is just a message I want to convey, that's all."

"If you asked me if my recent training was good, I would say: yes. To be honest, I have nothing negative to say about the players and their training attitude, quite the opposite. Therefore, I hope that tomorrow the team will go all out and the players' concentration and motivation will be at the highest level."

You said that some players should not knock on your door and ask why they are not allowed to play. I want to ask directly: Is Ivanovic among these players?

Mourinho: "Of course I'm not happy when you always struggle with the same thing, but I understand; but when you lie, it annoys me deeply. If there is a player who works very hard, whether in training or in games, including against Atletico Madrid, and his substitution has nothing to do with his attitude, it is Ivanovic. He is an extraordinary young man, a worker. Although things are not going well for him, his professionalism is impeccable. Commenting is one thing, making up stories is another, and I feel bad when it comes to players I cherish.

Mourinho: "Has your father always been kind to you as you grew into a responsible adult?"

Phased.

Mourinho: "In phases. That's exactly right. In phases. That's it."

I want to talk about Manu Silva. The player returns to the squad 10 months after a serious injury. What do you think of his return?

Mourinho: "Manu currently does not have the physical fitness to play for 90 minutes and will obviously not start. But if he can play a few minutes and help the team, of course there are certain limitations. He is not selected to travel or sit on the bench to applaud. He is here because he can play. If we need him to play, he will play. He is obviously a player we need to help balance the lineup."

How do you consider putting Rodrigo Rego into a four-back system?

Mourinho: "Rodrigo Rego cannot play as a full-back in a four-back system. He has never played in this position, that is not his characteristic. At the moment he is a wing-back, either left or right. If he plays as a midfielder in a four-back system, or in a three-back system, he is a left wing-back, which is exactly what he has done recently in the B team with Nelson Verisimo, and done it Very good. He's physically fit enough to play at a high level tomorrow. As for what system to use tomorrow, I obviously don't want to reveal it. My colleague Fred Grimm will definitely want to know how we will do it, and I'm sure Antonio Silva is freezing."

Why has Obrador only played 2 games this season?

Mourinho: "Obrador left for the U21 national team after playing against Casa Pia and did not return to the team until two days before Atletico Madrid's Portuguese Cup match. It is obviously an advantage for those who stayed. Rafa Obrador is a full-back in the four-back system. He still needs to grow on the defensive end and there are still some loopholes. Hole. Since we started with a back three and attacking wing-backs against Atletico, Rego is more skilled in this area. I also want to give him a chance. If you don't give young players a chance, you never know what they can do. I think that is a good opportunity to let Rodrygo play and test whether he has the ability to stay in the team for a long time."