Speaking to the media ahead of the high-stakes encounter, the experienced coach stressed that despite tactical preparation and analysis, football ultimately remains impossible to script. For Mourinho, the focus is clear and singular: winning.
He acknowledged that while teams can study opponents and prepare detailed game plans, the sport’s nature guarantees uncertainty. Benfica, he said, are not concerned with external factors or parallel results, insisting that only victory matters. Anything else would mean elimination.
Mourinho also distanced himself from broader controversies in Spanish football, brushing aside questions related to the Negreira case. He made it clear that he prefers to live in the present, focusing on daily work rather than revisiting past events.
A significant portion of the press conference revolved around Mourinho’s relationships with former players and colleagues, following media attempts to link his comments to multiple figures across European football. Addressing this, Mourinho clarified that his remarks were specific and not intended to fuel speculation.
He spoke warmly about former players such as Álvaro Arbeloa and Cristian Chivu, describing them as “boys” to whom he feels a deep personal connection. While acknowledging that Arbeloa was not the most naturally gifted player, Mourinho offered striking praise, suggesting that his influence and importance placed him among Real Madrid’s finest from a human and professional standpoint. He expressed genuine hope that Arbeloa enjoys a successful and fulfilling coaching career.
Mourinho also reflected on Xabi Alonso’s rise as a coach, expressing pride in the former midfielder’s achievements. He highlighted Alonso’s work at Bayer Leverkusen as a source of joy and praised his progression to Real Madrid, noting that Alonso has clearly demonstrated the level he can reach as a coach. Any reasons behind Alonso’s later departure, Mourinho added, are of little interest to him.
When asked about offering advice to Arbeloa, Mourinho dismissed the idea, emphasizing the personal challenges of coaching in the modern era. He pointed to constant scrutiny, criticism and the growing influence of social media voices, stressing that enjoyment of the profession is essential for survival. While wishing Arbeloa success at any club, he made one exception: the upcoming match.
Mourinho revealed that he has not spoken directly with Arbeloa ahead of the game, explaining that he keeps limited and frequently changing personal contact details. Formal gestures, he suggested, are unnecessary between people who already understand each other’s respect and goodwill.
On the sporting stakes, Mourinho was blunt. Benfica face a simple equation: failure to win means elimination. A draw or defeat would end their campaign, while victory would leave their fate to be confirmed after the final whistle.
Concluding his remarks, Mourinho underlined Benfica’s mindset heading into the match. With little to lose against a side filled with elite players, he described the contest as “kill or be killed,” insisting that only tactical balance would prevent Real Madrid from exploiting any weakness.
As the teams prepare to meet, Mourinho’s message was unmistakable: respect the opponent, embrace uncertainty, and fight for survival.