Is criticizing players worried about dissatisfaction in the locker room? Mourinho responded: Has your father always been very good to you?

November 25 News At 01:45 on November 26, Benfica will face Ajax in the fifth round of the Champions League. Benfica coach Mourinho attended the pre-match press conference.

Reporter: Regarding your remarks after the Portuguese Cup match against Sporting CP, you said that no one would knock on your door because you didn’t play. I want to ask you directly, is Franjo Ivanovic one of them? He hasn't established himself in the team yet. What's the reason?

Mourinho: I obviously don't like it when you keep asking the same thing over and over again, but I understand it; but when you lie, it makes me very angry.

If there is any player who works very hard, it is Ivanovic. He gave his all in both training and matches, including against Sporting CP. I can say unequivocally that replacing him had nothing to do with attitude. He is a great lad who works very hard and although things are not going well at the moment, from a professionalism point of view he is impeccable.

Comments are one thing, fabrications are another, and that makes me feel really bad when it comes to players I admire. I don't like this.

Reporter: We have discussed your remarks after the last game many times, but I would like to mention again that you recently criticized the players for their poor performance in several games. Are you concerned that this might lead to resentment against you within the locker room? For this same reason, I would like to ask you whether you think Benfica's players can meet your requirements?

Mourinho: When you were growing up, would your father always be kind to you until you became a responsible adult? Has your father always been kind to you?

Reporter: There are stages.

Mourinho: There are stages. Indeed. That's it.