Benfica Fan Protest Highlights Club’s Woes Amidst Growing Frustrations

The incident that transpired shortly before Benfica’s league match against Estrela Amadora underscores the escalating frustration within the fanbase. Currently, the team is 10 points behind league leaders and arch-rivals, Porto. Coupled with recent eliminations from both the Portuguese League Cup and the Champions League, this situation has contributed to a palpable sense of crisis. Police were deployed to the scene but allowed the fans entry after receiving assurances that the protest would remain peaceful.

A group of around 200 ultras arrived at the club’s training facility, demanding to speak with key figures within the organization. Initially, access was granted to only four representatives; however, the group insisted that all members be allowed in. In an effort to prevent potential escalation, authorities ultimately granted access, and the fans gathered on one of the training pitches where they encountered Mourinho, Otamendi, and Sabrosa. Although the specific details of the hour-long discussion have not been publicly disclosed, the atmosphere was reported to be tense. The supporters expressed their rising dissatisfaction with the club’s current trajectory and left the training ground an hour after their arrival, delivering a clear message: the team must improve its performance promptly to satisfy the enraged fanbase.

This public display of discontent followed a previous incident earlier this month, when Mourinho ordered his players to remain at the training ground following a League Cup semi-final defeat to Braga, suggesting they needed time to reflect on their performance—a decision that attracted significant media attention.

President Rui Costa has been questioned regarding the manager’s performance this season. When asked about the possibility of sacking Mourinho, he stated, “No. He’s an excellent coach and has already proven that. It’s not an easy season. Changing the coach? That’s out of the question.” On the topic of new signings, Costa remarked, “I can’t promise anything, but we’ll see until the end of the transfer window. As you know, we’ve already discussed the sporting aspect. It’s not a positive year. We will fight until the last second for our objectives. There’s still the championship to contend for.”

Mourinho, who signed a contract with his boyhood club until 2027 last September, is set to lead his team into crucial upcoming fixtures, including a Champions League match against his former club, Real Madrid. The pressure will intensify significantly if the team’s performance does not improve. In anticipation of the critical match against Los Blancos—who require a win to enhance their chances of finishing in the top eight—Mourinho stated, “Although it is practically impossible, practically not impossible, the culture we have in this group is that, regardless of the objectives, when Benfica plays, you must give your best, play with the responsibility of being Benfica, and give your all. We are aware of the challenges posed by Real Madrid, of course. We acknowledge that we are currently a Benfica with limitations, but we will give everything.”