Lisbon's Benfica is on the verge of another big game as the head coach of the "Special One". Before the Champions League play-off match, Jose Mourinho spoke about the clash with his former team - Real Madrid. And what he said was not simple: this time he did not hide his emotions.
First, there is an episode that fans will never forget. In the last round of the Champions League general stage, Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4:2. Now the situation is even more interesting: this time it is not just about three points, but about a place in the play-offs and whether they will survive the tournament. In short, this is not a “rematch” - this is a test of character.
Mourinho's statement further heated up the pre-match mood. He recalled his time at Real Madrid, saying that he gave everything for the club, and that people accept him with both his successes and his mistakes. But the most sensational sentence was this:
He openly admitted that “in the current situation, I really want to knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League.”
That is, there is romance - but the competition is even tougher. Mourinho did not deny that he has respect for his former club, but on the field he speaks not of respect, but of results. In the language of the fans: “sentimentality later, now the playoffs.”
At the same time, the Portuguese specialist also expressed a particularly warm opinion about Alvaro Arbeloa. He wished Arbeloa success in the domestic championship, staying at the club for many years and leaving a lasting mark. "He's a great guy and he deserves it," he said, a great assessment from a coach to a student.
As for the future, Mourinho also noted that the release clause in his contract with Benfica is relatively soft. However, he stressed that for now, it is necessary to deliberately "not blow up" the rumors about his return to Madrid. That is, the most important thing now is not rumors, but the game.
Interestingly, during Mourinho's time, Arbeloa was one of his most trusted players. Now, the coach and student are facing off as opponents on the most prestigious stage in Europe. This plot is also a plot that the series is eager to follow: yesterday's confidence is today's counterattack.
Now the question is: is Mourinho's "will" strong or will Real Madrid's usual "mode" in the playoffs come into play again? For fans, one thing is certain - both nerves and goals can be "unlimited" in this game.
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