Mourinho Admits Five Benfica Players Battling ‘Self-Esteem Crisis’ After Stalemate with Porto

Benfica manager, José Mourinho, has revealed that five of his players are currently suffering from a “self-esteem crisis” following their goalless draw with arch-rivals FC Porto.

Speaking after the match, which ended 0-0, Mourinho explained that his decision to adopt a pragmatic approach against his former club was influenced by the psychological state of his team.

“I think Benfica has its characteristics. FC Porto has players with a lot of horsepower, with the ability to attack space. We don’t have that type of player,” Mourinho told reporters.

“We had to create danger and not let the game go,” he added. “Right now, the team is suffering from low confidence. I found three, four, five players with a self-esteem crisis.”

The result leaves Benfica four points adrift of Porto, who currently sit at the top of the Portuguese league table.