“There is a possibility” that Sudakov and Barreiro could recover …..

Statements by José Mourinho, Benfica’s coach, in a press conference after the 0-2 victory against Farense in the round of 16 of the Portuguese Cup, played this Wednesday, December 17th, in Faro.

[Regarding Samuel Soares’ injury?]

It’s a muscular situation, a strain from a long ball he played. I was afraid I’d have to use a second substitution slot at the start of the second half. Sudakov’s and Barreiro’s injuries are two “aggressive” contacts – to put it mildly. The doctor tells me there’s a chance they can both play on Monday, but we have a limit there.

[Otamendi missed another penalty. Why was he the one to take it?]

It’s our choice. He’s a player who has a knack for scoring. He himself said at the end of the game that if I wanted him to keep scoring, he would, but I could also give the opportunity to someone else.

We missed the penalty, but we kept pushing, we kept dominating. We’ve had some injuries, but fortunately = or unfortunately = injuries from aggressive contact, but the team is in good physical and mental health. These games always make me apprehensive about how the players approach them, but they were fantastic. It was a good, solid, and comfortable victory that leaves me satisfied.