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Benfica head coach José Mourinho attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Estoril Praia.
Can you confirm that you have received a contract renewal offer from Benfica?
“Yes, I received a formal contract renewal offer from Benfica on Wednesday. The offer has been given to my agent, but I didn't want to see it, understand it, or analyze it. I intend to do all that starting from Sunday, specifically starting from Sunday.”
When you signed with Benfica, you stated that you strongly identified with the club's philosophy, especially "people who love football." Considering the team's loss of the runner-up position and all the information that has come to light, how do you think the fans are feeling at this moment?
"First of all, Benfica is far more important than me. There's simply no comparison. Benfica is more important than anyone, more important than any coach, player, or president. It's more important than anyone. As for my personal situation, I don't think there's any reason to worry. As I said, Benfica is more important than anyone, and you should never worry about whether someone stays or leaves.
As for first, second, third place... I think everything is obvious, perfectly obvious, and I don't believe any Benfica fan doesn't understand. Or if they happened to be distracted during the season, which can also happen... then just focus on the two matches last weekend, and you'll understand the whole story.
In that sense, I would say 'yes, there are indeed reasons for concern.' Last year, the season ended with the Taça de Portugal final. This year, it will likely end with the same analysis and frustration. Frankly, I think there are indeed reasons for concern."
Have you received an offer from Real Madrid?
"No. My agent met with Benfica and told me: 'I have a formal offer, I'll send it to you.'
I said: 'I don't want it, send it to me on Sunday.'
As for Real Madrid, they never told me they had an offer to show me. But if they had told me, my answer would have been exactly the same."
Do you think you will be the head coach who ultimately rejects Benfica's contract renewal offer?
“I don't know. I really don't know.”
What do you think about Florentino Pérez's press conference and his call for elections?
“I didn't watch the press conference. Even if I had, what right would I have to comment on a president's statements... I never do that. Especially not about a president like Florentino, who has such a... well... past.”
Have you spoken with Florentino Pérez? Will your future be decided this Sunday?
"I've already said that I speak with President Rui Costa practically every day. But I also said, because I have nothing to hide and I don't think Benfica wants to hide anything, I received a formal written offer from Benfica on Wednesday.
They wanted to send the offer to me, but I said I didn't want to make any decisions right now. I will on Sunday. As for Real Madrid, I haven't been in contact with them at all.
Not with the president, nor with any important figures at the club. Next week will be crucial for me, for my future and for Benfica. After the season ends, Benfica must start thinking about next season. However, according to the contract and agreement I signed when I joined, we have several days to assess the situation and make a decision."
You stated that you hoped to see out your two-year contract and believed that your success would pave the way for a renewal. But you also admitted at the time that here, success means winning matches. Has this renewal offer come as a surprise to you?
"At Benfica, success means winning matches without relying on miracles. If you rely on miracles, it's much more complicated... I would say that the fact we went unbeaten all the way to the final round is a miracle in itself. A group of young men who, every week, endure feelings that you may not have seen... or felt... or perhaps you did see but are deliberately asking me this question to put me in a difficult position... Actually, the situation isn't that difficult. Benfica had a chance to win the championship last year, but they didn't manage it.
Next season, they might miss out on the championship again. That's the current situation. Fundamentally, this is painful for those who step onto the pitch and experience it all. This pain limits their performance. That's why we've done so many good things to keep the team intact at all levels.
A team that plays like we did at Sporting CP's home ground, against Famalicão, against Braga... that's a team that's fully united. Maintaining this unity under such circumstances is thanks to many people. We've done a lot of excellent work here."