Mourinho Prefers Not To Speak: Benfica Boss Opts For Absence From Sidelines And Pressers

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 15:43 IST

Benfica boss Mourinho has opted out of the pre-match and post-match presser for the second leg of the UCL playoff against Real Madrid.

The “Special One" is choosing silence… again.

Amid the fallout from the racism controversy that erupted during last week’s Champions League playoff first leg, Jose Mourinho has opted not to address the media before or after Benfica’s decisive clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Instead, assistant coach Joao Tralhao will handle both press duties.

Ordinarily, head coaches are required to attend pre- and post-match media commitments. But Mourinho, sent off in the first leg in Lisbon and suspended for the return fixture, is within his rights to skip those obligations.

He also will not be on the touchline as Benfica attempt to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit — due to the red card he received last matchweek.

For a manager long accustomed to dominating headlines, especially on a return to the Spanish capital, Mourinho’s absence from the spotlight is striking.

The Allegations

The storm began when Vinicius Junior accused Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racist slur at him during the first leg.

Prestianni, 20, has strongly denied the accusation. Benfica have publicly backed their player, describing him as the target of a “smear campaign." Television footage showed the pair exchanging words, with Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt.

The match in Lisbon was briefly halted under anti-racism protocol. Mourinho was later dismissed during the heated encounter.

UEFA Steps In

UEFA has since provisionally suspended Prestianni for the second leg as its disciplinary investigation continues.

In a statement, European football’s governing body said it had “decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible."

If found guilty, the Argentine faces a minimum 10-match ban under UEFA regulations.

For now, the focus shifts back to the football, though the controversy continues to loom large. And Mourinho, suspended and silent, will watch from a distance.

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