The Benfica boss incited that the Actual Madrid star introduced on racist abuse together with his celebrations
Jose Mourinho has admitted it has been tough to deal with the fallout from “each side” of Benfica’s defeat to Real Madrid.
Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg in Lisbon was determined by a single aim from Vinicius Junior, however the match was overshadowed by an alleged incident involving Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni.
The sport was paused for 10 minutes after Vinicius claimed a racist slur had been directed at him following his celebration.
UEFA has since opened an investigation into the allegations, which Prestianni denies. Benfica have publicly backed the 20-year-old and consider he’s being subjected to a “smear marketing campaign.”
Mourinho, who was despatched off through the contest, has additionally confronted criticism for remarks made in his post-match interview, the place he appeared to recommend Vinicius had provoked the group together with his celebration.
Tv pundits and former gamers have questioned that stance, whereas the Portuguese coach mentioned after the match that he “didn’t know” who was telling the reality.
Reflecting on the broader affect of the episode, Mourinho admitted it has taken an emotional and psychological toll.
“The sport was actually demanding, in each side,” he mentioned.
“Till the fiftieth minute, it was a sport of most depth, each bodily and tactically, requiring the focus wanted to play a sport of that stage.
“However I additionally need to acknowledge that from the fiftieth minute till now – and this received’t finish our dialog – it hasn’t been straightforward to handle emotionally every part that has occurred and continues to occur.”
Through the stoppage, Mourinho spoke with each Vinicius and Prestianni on the pitch after the referee initiated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Prestianni is not going to characteristic in Saturday’s league fixture towards AFS, serving a one-match suspension, and Mourinho is keen for his squad to refocus on their home targets.
“There’s a sport tomorrow, an necessary sport for our ambitions and desires,” he mentioned. “Successful is key. Now we have to focus and be at our highest stage.”
