Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has taken an unusual approach to motivating his squad after their 3-1 defeat to Braga in the League Cup semi-finals. Following the loss, which saw former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi sent off in the second half, Mourinho announced that his players would be staying at Benfica’s training ground in Seixal—a move designed to encourage reflection and focus.

Speaking at a press conference after the defeat, Mourinho said:

“The players will sleep in Seixal, and on Thursday there is training, and the day after there’s training. Since there’s no final on Saturday, our next game is against Porto next Wednesday. 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.”

Mourinho’s History with Benfica

This is not Mourinho’s first stint at Benfica. He began his managerial career with the club in 2000 but left after just 10 games due to disagreements with the club president. Since returning in September 2025, Mourinho has overseen 23 matches, winning 14 of them. However, Wednesday’s defeat against Braga ended an 11-game unbeaten streak, signaling a rare setback for the Portuguese manager.

A Different Approach in the Locker Room

Mourinho also emphasized his preferred style of communication with his squad.

“In the locker room, it was a monologue, and monologues don’t work for me; I like to have a dialogue with the players. On Thursday we can start talking about the differences between the first and second halves and prepare in the best way possible for the game against Porto.”

Mourinho’s approach reflects his reputation as a highly demanding manager, known for pushing players to both physical and mental limits. By keeping the players at the training ground, he aims to ensure that they deeply analyze their performance and learn from their mistakes ahead of the next challenge.

Benfica’s Upcoming Matches

Benfica are currently third in the Primeira Liga, trailing league leaders Porto by 10 points. Their next major fixture is the quarter-final clash of the Portuguese Cup against Porto, scheduled for Wednesday. Mourinho will likely use the additional time at Seixal to prepare his squad for this crucial match.

The League Cup semi-final loss has highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of Mourinho’s Benfica side, and the coming week at the training ground will be critical in shaping their approach to the remainder of the season.