José Mourinho set the record straight after being called a “traitor” during a heated 2-2 draw between Benfica and FC Porto, insisting the accusation was an attack on his professionalism.
The veteran coach, who previously managed Porto before taking charge of Benfica, was sent off in the second half after officials ruled he had kicked a ball toward the Porto bench. Following the match, Mourinho said the situation escalated when Porto coach Lucho González repeatedly insulted him in the tunnel.
“The Porto bench person who was also sent off called me a traitor 50 times,” Mourinho said during his post-match press conference.
I’d like him to explain: traitor to what?
Mourinho defended his career path, pointing out that he had always given complete commitment to every club he has coached, including his successful spell at Porto.
Mourinho denies being a “traitor”
“I was at Porto and gave my soul to Porto,” he said. “Then I went to clubs like Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Fenerbahçe. Wherever I go, I give everything. That’s professionalism.”
The Portuguese manager added that criticism from supporters is part of the sport, but said being labeled a traitor by another professional crossed the line.
It wasn’t once – it was 20 or 30 times,” Mourinho said. “He could insult me in another way, but this was an attack on my professionalism, which I value a lot.
Mourinho’s expulsion was unfair
Benfica’s coach also disputed the referee’s decision to issue a red card. Officials ruled he kicked the ball toward the Porto bench during the match, but the coach said the gesture was misunderstood.
“The referee says I kicked the ball toward the Porto bench, which is completely false,” he said.
I kicked it toward the stands so a fan could have it, something I’ve done many times at the Luz.
The incident overshadowed an intense match between the Portuguese rivals, with both teams sharing the points in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
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