José Mourinho made notable choices for the Benfica starting lineup in their Champions League match against Napoli. He opted for Tomás Araújo and Ivanovic, sparking discussions about his strategic decisions.
Mourinho’s Strategic Choices Explained
In an interview with Sport TV, Mourinho clarified that his selections were not due to physical issues. Instead, he emphasized a tactical approach. “It’s strategic; there is no physical problem,” he stated. He noted that Pavlidis, despite his regular playtime, needed a specific strategy against Napoli’s defensive style.
- Mourinho aimed to make Napoli players run back with Ivanovic’s inclusion.
- He described Tomás Araújo as the fastest defender available, suited to counter Napoli’s pace.
This Season’s Napoli
When discussing Napoli, Mourinho expressed a preference for facing them earlier in the season. He noted, “Antonio is the best in this setup. It was unnatural to face a Napoli team under Spalletti that had just won the Scudetto.” He highlighted the team’s adaptability, stating that they defend with structure but possess a potent counter-attack.
Mourinho praised Napoli’s offensive organization, pointing out that they can quickly transition from defense to attack. “With players like De Bruyne and Lukaku, they would have shown different strengths,” he added, acknowledging the improved dynamic of the current squad.
Benfica’s Stronger Performance Against Top Teams
Mourinho also reflected on why Benfica tends to perform better against stronger opponents. “The best game we played was against Leverkusen; we controlled and dominated the match,” he noted. He mentioned a near-own goal as a missed opportunity and indicated that matches against teams like Sporting offered similar chances.
- Benfica’s plays against tougher adversaries have shown more complete and dynamic performances.
- Mourinho hinted that a strong sense of responsibility might propel his players in such matches.
Final Thoughts
Mourinho concluded with a warning about Napoli’s strength during set pieces, stating, “If they have a free kick against us, be ready; they come with seven players, and it is tough.” This insight reflects the tactical mindset needed for high-stakes matches.
