Benfica presidential candidate Martim Mayer has pledged to keep José Mourinho as the Portuguese football giant’s coach through the current season, despite identifying what he calls “deeper problems” within the club’s structure.
Mayer made the announcement in an interview with “Now,” stating Mourinho is part of a new club framework he designed with Dutch football veteran Louis van Gaal. He emphasized that Mourinho’s continuity was already planned.
The candidate, who is the grandson of former Benfica president Borges Coutinho, described the coach as a “palliative” for systemic issues. He believes the club needs to look at its entire football structure and implement changes.
Mayer cited a lack of team spirit and a psychological vulnerability when Benfica falls behind in matches. He noted this tendency, where players do not see losing as an opportunity to rally and attack opponents.
“It was a heavy defeat, which shouldn’t have happened,” Mayer said, commenting on Benfica’s recent loss to Newcastle. “I don’t like to see Benfica play like this. I think there’s a lack of team spirit.”
He added that he hopes Mourinho is taking necessary measures to address this swiftly. Mayer still believes it is possible for the club to advance in the Champions League group stage, expressing his faith.
Mayer stated he plans to meet Mourinho, whom he has never spoken with before. He also expects to meet Andries Jonker, who will serve as the general director for football and share a similar hierarchical level with the coach.
“For the sake of stability, I believe he should continue, at least until the end of the season,” Mayer said of Mourinho. He hopes the Portuguese coach will be successful during his tenure.
Mayer also expressed confidence that Mourinho could continue beyond the current season. He acknowledged that he does not know all the details of Mourinho’s contract, noting that problems often lie in such specifics.
He credited Louis van Gaal, whom he regards as a “football philosopher,” with assisting him in designing Benfica’s football structure and pinpointing its weaknesses. Van Gaal provided Mayer with a highly positive assessment of Mourinho.