Manager Jos Mourinho has set the record straight after being called a “traitor” during the heated 2-2 draw between Benfica and FC Porto, claiming the accusations were an attack on his professionalism.
The veteran manager, who was in charge of Porto before taking charge of Benfica, was sent off in the second half after authorities determined he kicked the ball towards Porto’s bench. Mourinho said after the match that the situation escalated after Porto manager Lucho Gonzlez repeatedly insulted him in the tunnel.
Mourinho said at the post-match press conference: “Porto’s bench players, who were also sent off, called me a traitor 50 times.”
I want him to explain, what is a traitor?
Mourinho defended his career path, pointing out that he has always given his all to every club he has coached, including his success with Porto.
Mourinho denies being a ‘traitor’
“I was in Porto and I gave my soul to Porto,” he said. “Then I went to clubs like Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Fenerbae. Wherever I go, I give my all. That’s professionalism.”
The Portuguese coach added that criticism from supporters is part of the sport, but being labeled a traitor by other professional players crossed a line.
“It wasn’t just once, it was 20 or 30 times. He could have insulted me in other ways, but this was an attack on the professionalism that I value so much,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho’s expulsion was unfair
Benfica’s coach also objected to the referee’s decision to give the red card. Officials determined that he kicked the ball towards Porto’s bench during the game, but the coach said the gesture was misunderstood.
“The referee says that I kicked the ball towards the Porto bench, but this is completely false,” he said.
I kicked it into the stands so the fans could get it, something I’ve done many times with Luz.
The incident overshadowed a fierce match between the Portuguese rivals, with both teams sharing the points in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
