In his debut match as the head coach of Benfica, José Mourinho delivered a fiery and motivational speech to his squad in the locker room just moments before kickoff.
José Mourinho’s Inspirational Pre-Match Address
Returning to Benfica’s bench after a 25-year hiatus, Mourinho witnessed his team dominate every facet of the game. With a standout performance from Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis, Benfica secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Aves. This win propelled them to second place in the Primeira Liga standings, trailing league leaders Porto by five points but with a game in hand.
During the fifth round of the Portuguese top flight, the Eagles left no doubt about their superiority, with Pavlidis contributing both a goal and an assist, showcasing his growing influence in the squad.
Before the whistle blew, Mourinho gathered his players for a powerful reminder of what it truly means to represent Benfica. The club later shared this electrifying speech with fans after the match concluded.
Full Transcript of Mourinho’s Locker Room Speech
“Winning with Benfica is beautiful. Playing for Benfica is fing special. Losing for Benfica is fing painful. But winning for Benfica? That’s unbelievably beautiful. We’ve talked enough-now it’s time to show it on the pitch. Let’s go out there and crush them.”
Jose Mourinho is so intense… he truly knows how to get inside players’ minds.
Watch out for Benfica this season! pic.twitter.com/rA30j2Ze5B
– MourinhoXtra™ (@Mourinho_Xtra) September 21, 2025
Benfica’s Ambitions Under Mourinho’s Leadership
With Mourinho back at the helm, Benfica is signaling a renewed hunger for domestic and European success. The team’s recent form reflects a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair, with Pavlidis emerging as a key figure in their offensive strategy. As the season progresses, Benfica aims to close the gap on Porto and challenge for the Primeira Liga title, while also making a significant impact in continental competitions.