The Special One’s Tough Love: Mourinho Demands Reflection After Shock League Cup Exit.

Jose Mourinho

In a classic display of his no-nonsense management style, Jose Mourinho has instructed his Benfica players to remain at the club’s Seixal training facility following their surprising 3-1 defeat to Braga in the Portuguese Allianz Cup (League Cup) semi-final on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Speaking in a fiery post-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician – who returned to Benfica in September 2025 – revealed his plan to keep the squad together for intense reflection and training sessions ahead of their next fixture.

“The players will sleep in Seixal, and on Thursday there is training, and the day after there’s training,” Mourinho stated. “Since there’s no final on Saturday, our next game is against Porto next Wednesday [in the Portuguese Cup quarter-finals].

“When we arrive in Seixal, everyone will go to their rooms. I hope the players sleep as well as I do, which is to say that they don’t sleep at all. That’s what I wish for them – that they don’t sleep and instead think a lot, like I’m going to think.”

The defeat ended Benfica’s 11-game unbeaten run and dashed hopes of reaching the League Cup final, especially after rivals Sporting CP were also eliminated. Benfica currently sit third in the Primeira Liga, 10 points behind leaders Porto.

Mourinho’s drastic measure is aimed at fostering deep introspection among his players, ensuring they analyze the poor first-half performance that saw them trail 2-0 at halftime. The boss plans to open discussions on Thursday to address the issues and prepare for the upcoming clash against Porto.

This isn’t the first time Mourinho has used psychological tactics to motivate his teams – it’s a hallmark of the “Special One’s” approach that has delivered trophies across Europe.

Benfica fans will hope this tough love sparks a strong response as the season intensifies. The Eagles are still in contention in the Portuguese Cup and Champions League.