Benfica head coach and experienced specialist Jose Mourinho shared his thoughts on the new Champions League format. According to him, this system has a number of positive aspects, but there are also controversial points.
Mourinho said:
"I am still busy with a full study of this system. Therefore, I am not in a hurry to draw a definitive conclusion about which option to prefer - the previous one or the current one. The new procedure requires a completely different approach. I participated in a similar format last season in the Europa League, and I must admit, it's very interesting and structured in a modern way."
At the same time, the coach drew attention to some shortcomings:
"There are some inconsistencies in the format. For example, you play only one game with each opponent. If this game is away, you will lose the opportunity to play it at home. This can lead to an unfavorable situation. It's also unusual for teams that have never met before to be included in the tournament table. This is a bit unclear and raises many questions."
At the same time, Mourinho also noted the strengths of the new system:
"Of course, this format opens up new opportunities for football. In one season, you will face eight different opponents. This will increase interest in the tournament and create even more intrigue for fans. It only takes time to adapt to these changes," the famous expert noted.
Meanwhile, Benfica faces key challenges. The team will play its next Champions League match on September 30th in London. There, they face a tough match against one of England's major clubs, Chelsea. This match will test not only Benfica but also Mourinho's ability to adapt to the new format.
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