In the passionate world of football, the debate between winning at all costs and winning with flair is always simmering. At Benfica, a potential new leader is already setting the stage for this very conversation. Cristóvão Carvalho, running for president, has a clear vision for the club’s dugout.
He explained his view on the Portuguese coach during an RTP 3 interview, recalling his consistent preference for a foreign manager. Germany’s Jürgen Klopp is the name Carvalho has championed, seeing him as the ideal fit for Benfica’s future. Yet, the current coaching situation brings a familiar face into focus: José Mourinho.
Carvalho says he’d give Mourinho "the benefit of the doubt," a phrase carrying more weight than it sounds. If Mourinho were to manage Benfica under Carvalho’s presidency, his clock would start ticking immediately. The club needs to be champions this season, and failure to meet those goals by Christmas would mean a swift contract termination. "If he’s not meeting objectives, like any coach, the contract must be ended," Carvalho stated, clarifying the stakes. He added, "I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I want him to be champion. And I hope it’s with José Mourinho and me as president. He will have my full support."
Despite acknowledging Mourinho as an "excellent, top-tier coach, the best Portuguese one," the 52-year-old lawyer has not hidden his true desire for Benfica’s on-field identity. His vision for the club is rooted in a "European project," which demands a certain style of play. "I need attacking, joyful, dynamic football that’s pleasant to watch and ‘sell’," he explained.
This isn’t just about winning; it’s about the spectacle. Benfica needs to "sell its spectacle" and "put on a show" for its fans. Carvalho believes Mourinho’s tactical approaches in recent years don’t quite align with this philosophy. "José Mourinho’s style of football isn’t one that enchants me and my team," he said directly. "We want another type of football; Benfica must put on a show." So, while Carvalho offers a conditional lifeline, he also paints a very clear picture of what Benfica should be. It’s a challenge to any coach: deliver trophies, yes, but do it with flair and an unshakeable commitment to attacking brilliance.