Jose Mourinho returned to the headlines in typical fashion after Benfica’s 0-1 defeat to Real Madrid, delivering a post-match press conference filled with sharp comments, irony, and pointed observations.
While he admitted that Madrid deserved the victory, much of his attention was directed at the controversy involving Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni.
The Portuguese coach was first asked whether the young Benfica player had apologised after the alleged racist incident.
Mourinho made it clear that he was not ready to take sides, explaining that both players had given him different versions of events.
“Sorry for what? I’ve spoken to both of them. Vinicius tells me one thing, and Prestianni tells me another.
“I don’t want to be biased and say that I believe Prestianni 100%, but neither do I want to be biased and say that what Vinicius tells me is the truth.
“Until the goal, it was a great game. Vinicius scored a goal that only he or Mbappe can score, and then he had to go onto his teammates’ shoulders and not get involved with 60,000 people in this stadium.“
His sending off
The former Real Madrid manager also revealed that he had been sent off during the match.
According to him, the dismissal came after he criticised the referee for what he believed was inconsistent disciplinary action.
Jose Mourinho was sent off. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Explaining his frustration, he stated, “They sent me off because I said something that is very obvious.
“The referee has a piece of paper that says Tchouameni, Huijsen, and Carreras cannot be given a yellow card.
“I have been on the bench for 1,400 games, and I knew who could be given a yellow card and who couldn’t. We know how this works. Madrid deserved the victory.”
Reactions from Real Madrid
When asked about the strong reactions from Real Madrid figures such as Alvaro Arbeloa and Kylian Mbappe, Mourinho suggested he had taken a more balanced approach.
“I tried to be more balanced than Alvaro and Kylian. I don’t want to say that Vini is a liar, and mine is an incredible guy. They have chosen something else.
“It happens in so many stadiums and always with the same thing. Something’s not right.
“He scored a great goal. Why doesn’t he celebrate like Eusebio, Pele, Di Stefano…? Why doesn’t he do it? The game was over after that play.”
Conversation with Arbeloa
The coach also revealed a brief exchange with Arbeloa during the match, explaining the context of their conversation.
“I spoke to Alvaro before I knew there was a problem. It was to ask him why he was acting silly after scoring an incredible goal.”
When pressed further on whether he believed Vinicius had a recurring issue, Mourinho chose not to engage deeply in the debate.
“I don’t know. You guys know better than me. I’d rather focus on the great goal he scored, which was incredible. That’s it.”
As the questions continued, the experienced coach closed the topic down completely, making it clear he had no intention of revisiting the issue.
He concluded, “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
Source: MARCA