On the eve of the clash between Real Madrid and Benfica, it was not José Mourinho who faced the press — but his assistant, João Tralhão.
With Mourinho absent and tensions simmering following his sending-off in the first leg, Benfica’s press officer laid down a firm boundary before the press conference began: no questions about Gianluca Prestianni would be permitted.
Still, the unavoidable topic was Mourinho’s absence.
“I don’t know where Mourinho is,” Tralhão admitted candidly. “We prepared for the match without Mourinho on the bench, and this situation saddens us. All scenarios are possible. We prepared everything to be at our best. I honestly don’t know where he is.”
“It’s a Final for Us”
Tralhão repeatedly framed the match in do-or-die terms.
“It’s a final for us. Every player on the field will be at 100%.”
At the same time, Tralhão emphasized continuity over chaos.
“We prepare like we prepare everything. We are a team, not José Mourinho. We have the privilege of having Mou as our leader. Tomorrow the team will be ready.”
Managing Without Mourinho — But With His Voice
Despite standing at the podium, Tralhão was quick to clarify where authority lies.
“Mourinho is going to manage the team, not me. I’m going to follow Mourinho’s instructions.
“We’ve lost our leader in the technical area. We believe the sending-off was unfair. A leader is always needed. When one player is missing, another will step in and give their all. Mou won’t be on the bench, but we’ll be there, and we know what we have to do.
“UEFA has made a decision on Prestianni and Benfica has appealed. We coaches have to prepare for all scenarios.
“We’re not going to talk about the Prestianni issue. We have a clear identity on the field. We’ll maintain the same approach. We want to be a team that plays with intensity; it won’t be an easy match.”
“Tomorrow is a final for both teams. We will have our strategy, just like Real Madrid. We are prepared and we know it will be a difficult match. Real Madrid has a certain profile; they are a dangerous team, but they have weaknesses.”
“Benfica hopes for a fair match and that Benfica will be respected. We hope the referee will respect the players of both teams equally.”