Jose Mourinho Keeps Benfica Players at Training Ground Following Braga Defeat

Jose Mourinho Takes Drastic Measures After Painful Loss

Jose Mourinho has decided that his players will stay at the training ground of Benfica after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Braga in the League Cup semifinals. The Portuguese coach expressed hope that the players would not sleep but rather focus their thoughts on their performances.

In addition to Nicolas Otamendi being sent off during the match, Mourinho emphasized that his team will prepare intensively for their upcoming game against Porto, scheduled for Wednesday. "The players will sleep in Seixal, and on Thursday we will have training, followed by another session the next day," Mourinho stated at a press conference after the loss to Braga.

He added, "When we arrive in Seixal, everyone will go to their rooms. I hope the players do not sleep at all, just like I won't. I want them to reflect deeply on this defeat." Mourinho, who took charge of Benfica in September, seeks open communication with his players after previously having a locker room discussion that felt more like a monologue.

"On Thursday, we will begin to discuss what happened, unlike in the locker room, where I was unable to have a dialogue. I will talk about the differences between the first half and the two halves and prepare the best for the match against Porto." Benfica is currently in third place in the Primeira Liga, 10 points behind leaders Porto, and is heading into their match against them in the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup.