Mourinho accuses Benfica Players of betrayal after 2-0 win over Atletico CP, highlighting frustration while praising youth forward Rodrigo Rego

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has accused his squad of “betraying” him despite a 2-0 victory over Atletico CP in the fourth-round cup tie.

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Speaking after the game, Mourinho claimed he would have made nine substitutions at half time. In the end, he introduced four players, citing the intensity and seriousness they brought to the second half as game-changing.

“I didn’t make five changes because I couldn’t play 45 minutes without a single substitution. But I made four and I think they changed the game because of the intensity and seriousness,” Mourinho told RTP.

One player who remained on the pitch throughout was young forward Rodrigo Rego. Mourinho reserved special praise for him, emphasising the importance of reliability and effort.

“He is set to continue. I can’t say if he’ll remain a starter, or if he’ll play next Tuesday or not. But I’m paying close attention, even though I’ve only been here a short time, to the youth players,” Mourinho said.

“I knew one thing about him: I couldn’t predict if he would have a great game or a lot of quality in his play, but I knew he wouldn’t let me down. And I don’t like players who let me down.”

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The Portuguese manager’s remarks underline his high expectations and the pressure he places on players to perform consistently, while signalling that youth prospects like Rego may have a promising role in Benfica’s future.