José Mourinho is not at all pleased with Benfica’s squad. The coach of the Portuguese giants faces Ajax on Tuesday in the Champions League and has fired up his players with a heated tirade. And that after a victory.
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Ajax and Benfica meet in the Champions League on Tuesday 25 November 2025 at 18:45 in the Johan Cruijff Arena.
The match is already being billed as one of the most intriguing fixtures of the group stage, not only because of the historic rivalry between the two clubs but also because of the turbulent atmosphere currently surrounding Benfica. As a final dress rehearsal, Benfica won 0–2 away at Atlético CP yesterday evening, yet the performance raised more questions than answers. The team only secured the victory deep into the second half, and the slow, uninspired first half triggered one of José Mourinho’s harshest interventions since taking charge.
Yesterday at 21:30, Benfica eventually handled Atlético CP 0–2, but it was far from a convincing performance. The goals came late, long after the travelling supporters had begun to show frustration. At half-time Mourinho had already torn into his players with a level of intensity that stunned even those accustomed to his fiery personality. He said the first half was poor, and poor in a way that upsets him the most: not because of tactical mistakes or technical limitations, but because of a lack of attitude. He emphasised that several players did not take the match seriously and failed to approach their responsibilities with the discipline and focus required at a club of Benfica's stature. At the break he made four substitutions and openly stated that he would gladly have made nine if the rules allowed it.
Tomás Araújo, Franjo Ivanovic, Enzo Barrenechea and João Regio were the four players removed at half-time. Mourinho explained that their energy and mentality were not up to the level needed in a team preparing to face Ajax in a crucial Champions League match. In the second half Benfica drastically improved, controlling possession, winning duels and pressing higher up the pitch. Mourinho said it was only a matter of time before they scored and that the transformed mentality was the decisive factor. Speaking to RTP after the match, he highlighted that Benfica were completely dominant once the correct attitude was restored.
Mourinho added further detail when describing the emotional tone inside the dressing room. Despite what many might imagine, he insisted he was calm, but also absolutely honest. He told the players that certain behaviours and levels of commitment were simply not acceptable. He wanted them to understand that the problem was not one or two moments of poor play but a deeper issue: a lack of urgency, intensity and respect for the shirt. He confirmed he made four substitutions instead of using all five slots because he wanted to retain at least one option for later, but he was clear that those four changes were enough to fundamentally change the match. The players who came on displayed seriousness, aggression, determination and the desire to fight for every ball.
In the buildup to the clash with Ajax, Mourinho used the Atlético CP match as a turning point. He said he cannot and will not accept lapses in attitude, especially in a period where Benfica must fight for qualification to the next Champions League round. He stressed that there are aspects of football that can be forgiven, such as errors of technique or even tactical imperfections, but a lack of commitment or energy is something Benfica supporters will never tolerate. He expressed his belief that the Benfica fanbase forgives a lot, but never this. He also underlined that the ultimate responsibility lies with the coach. When he criticises the players, he explained, he is simultaneously criticising himself for failing to extract the maximum from the group. Criticising the squad includes an implicit admission that he must also improve.
This sets an explosive stage for the meeting with Ajax in Amsterdam. Ajax have been solid at home, and the Johan Cruijff Arena will be packed with supporters expecting a high-tempo, attacking match. Benfica, under pressure from fans and from Mourinho himself, will need to demonstrate maturity, discipline and unity. The coach expects a response, not only through performance but in body language, intensity and collective commitment. With Champions League points on the line and a demanding fixture away from home, this match could define Benfica’s trajectory for the remainder of the European campaign.
Mourinho’s message is clear. The talent is there, but the attitude must match it. The players have been warned, the standards have been set, and the spotlight is firmly on Benfica as they prepare for one of their most important matches of the season.
Updated: 12:51, 22 Nov 2025
