Benfica Chairman Rui Costa was interviewed by Portuguese media Records and talked about the decision to fire Lager and hire Mourinho.
During your tenure, you fired three head coaches (Jorge Jesus, Roger Schmidt and Lager) and is this more of a problem with their own or the environment?
"No coach or club management has problems. We change coaches because the responsibility of representing the club is heavy. When the team cannot win, the requirements will become higher."
You once said that Lager is not the problem, so why fire someone who is not the problem?
"The problem is not that simple. I know what Lager wants to do, but when the results are not ideal, both his job itself and his relationship with the fans will be affected. He has never been a problem, and he is very professional when he leaves. He is thinking about Benfica."
Lager did not create problems, but when it comes to the internal environment, what is he referring to?
"You have to ask him."
What do you think is?
"I have no clue about this."
Didn't you ask Raer?
"I didn't, I had a good relationship with him, but the beginning of that conversation was very difficult, but it was easy to solve. I was not only a coach, but also someone I had known for more than 20 years. I knew what kind of person Lager was, but I had to put aside his friend's identity and he was too. We all realized that there was a need to make a change, and I think the results of the work we carried out together together."
Do you think the hustle and bustle of club elections affected the team?
"Of course, no matter what the reason is, the noise around you will have an impact on the team. You can feel the difference in the atmosphere, and even when a new coach arrives, people will first ask if it is out of election considerations. Therefore, the locker room will naturally be affected." Isn't the change in atmosphere because of bad results?
"You can feel that there are all kinds of reasons."
Why choose Mourinho?
"Because Mourinho is a world-class coach, he is commensurate with a big club like Benfica. Despite his poor performance in recent years, he has led the team to the European final twice, which is good."
But ideally, Benfica will not participate in the Europa League and the European Association...
"Yes, but allow me to show respect for Roma, Tottenham and Fenerbahce. I have never won a championship in Fiorentina when I was a player, so he will not be a domestic champion in teams that do not aim for the championship. The key is whether Mourinho has achieved the goals of these clubs. For example, Roma reached the European final twice and won a championship under his leadership, which is the biggest that those teams can give him. Success. In addition, Mourinho has rich leadership experience and skills to help the team that is currently in trouble. The team is facing many difficulties and there is no chance to breathe. From a strategic perspective, Mourinho is Mourinho, one of the most prestigious coaches in the world, and there is no doubt about it. "
Talking about Mourinho's conservative tactical philosophy
" Mourinho is very good at adapting to the lineup he has. He is very clear about where he is and does not need to introduce him to Benfica's history and status. He knows very well about Portuguese football and Benfica's strength. He can always make the current lineup reach its maximum potential. I firmly believe he will do it again."
Does Mourinho feel that he has hinted that it needs to sign?
"When a coach takes over a new lineup, he will naturally want to get more resources. This is a completely normal situation and we will consider the necessary reinforcement. We have not discussed the transfer market yet, but only talked about how to prepare for the next game. Our conversation has been around the team's form, what is good to perform, and what needs improvement."