The air inside the Portugal Football Globes gala crackled with expectation as José Mourinho arrived. Always a magnet for attention, the famed coach offered some candid reflections. He spoke openly about the demanding nature of his current role at Benfica. Mourinho also shared his thoughts on the impressive strength of the national team.
Leading Benfica
Mourinho admitted his return to Benfica has been quite challenging. He feels a significant responsibility with the club. He noted that managing a team with Benfica’s deep social impact, especially in this footballing nation, carries even more weight. The coach expressed his clear goal: to make his presence a positive force. He wants to help develop and boost the prestige of football here.
He touched on the constant movement of players, a double-edged sword for a club like Benfica. On one hand, it shows the quality of the talent they produce. Players moving on to bigger leagues proves their worth. On the other hand, it makes it tough to build a consistent team message. Yet, this dynamic also brings opportunities. It allows him to work closely with the club’s younger ranks. Mourinho mentioned integrating players from the U-19s, U-23s, and even U-16s into senior training sessions. This clearly shows Benfica’s dedication to nurturing young talent from within.
The National Team’s Ambition
Mourinho then turned his gaze to the national team. He highlighted its current strength, calling it “obvious.” The squad boasts players from the biggest clubs within the country. Many also play in Europe’s top leagues. This level of talent means the team’s standing is incredibly high and keeps growing. While we can always acknowledge the first players and coaches who ventured abroad, so many years have passed. Now, it is simply a vast collection of top-tier talent.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) plays a key role here. They are creating all the necessary conditions for the nation to compete at the highest level. With a World Cup year approaching, Mourinho’s words were clear. He stated it would be almost disrespectful to say the team doesn’t aim to become World champions. That ambition, he believes, is not just a dream, but an expectation.