Mourinho Focuses on Present Amid La Liga Controversies

omidbasir- The pre-match press conference held in the Portuguese capital provided visiting Spanish journalists with a unique opportunity to engage with José Mourinho regarding current events in La Liga. Unsurprisingly, discussions veered towards the ongoing “Negreira case,” which involves payments made by Barcelona to José Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees. Given that some of these transactions allegedly occurred during Mourinho’s tenure at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, reporters were eager to hear his thoughts.

However, the so-called “Special One” swiftly curtailed this line of inquiry, making it clear that his focus is solely on his current role with Benfica, rather than dwelling on historical rivalries.

“It’s something that doesn’t interest me. Honestly, it doesn’t interest me,” the Benfica manager asserted decisively. “I live my career in the present, not in the past. What has happened has happened, and that’s it.”

While he was reluctant to delve into refereeing controversies, Mourinho was much more forthcoming when reminiscing about his former players. The upcoming match against Real Madrid evoked memories of his tumultuous yet fruitful period in the Spanish capital, and he notably praised Álvaro Arbeloa. The former full-back, who remained loyal during Mourinho’s contentious final season, was highlighted not only for his footballing abilities but also for his character.

“They are special former players,” he remarked regarding Madrid’s new head coach. “With Álvaro, from a personal empathy standpoint, he is one of my favorite players of all time. He was not necessarily the best player who played for me at Real Madrid, but he is surely one of the finest individuals I have ever managed. He is the last person I would want to place under pressure.”

Mourinho also discussed the future of Xabi Alonso, another key player from his Madrid days, following Alonso’s recent dismissal from the club. Despite the upheaval, the Benfica manager expressed optimism about his friend’s coaching prospects, describing him as another one of his “boys” and suggesting, “his career will take another path, as he has demonstrated the level of coach he can become.”

For Benfica, the immediate focus lies in keeping their European aspirations alive. They require a victory on home soil and must depend on favorable outcomes elsewhere to remain in contention, while Madrid aims to solidify their position among the top eight in the final match of the League phase. When questioned about the threats posed by Kylian Mbappé and Madrid’s impressive roster, Mourinho advised against fixating on individual players.

“These are athletes with exceptional qualities; Real Madrid possesses such talent in every position,” he explained. “However, Real Madrid is not merely defined by one player. We must execute a flawless game both offensively and defensively, remaining compact as a team. Let’s hope for the best.”

He continued, emphasizing the professionalism essential for achieving a surprising outcome: “On a personal level, I am very objective and consistently strive for professionalism. The foundation of a strong performance lies in self-care, effective training, and the discipline to give our all in every match.”

Mourinho is acutely aware of the challenge that lies ahead at Estadio da Luz. He recognized the ruthless efficiency of his former club, noting their squad depth enables them to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.

“They have top-tier players capable of punishing you if you don’t seize your opportunities,” he cautioned his squad. “They exploit your errors and make you pay.”

With Benfica’s Champions League status precariously hanging in the balance, the manager underscored the importance of striving for victory, fully aware of the formidable opponent they face. For Mourinho, encountering Madrid is never just another fixture, yet he is resolute in ensuring that the narrative centers on his team’s current performance rather than the controversies of the past.