Approximately 200 Benfica ultras descended upon the club’s training facility in Seixal on Saturday morning, forcing a confrontation with manager Jose Mourinho, technical director Simao Sabrosa and captain Nicolas Otamendi.
The supporters, frustrated by a disappointing run of results, demanded answers from the trio regarding the team’s recent performances.
According to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, the group successfully gained access to the premises and met with the three key figures.
Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winner Otamendi, who has accumulated over 150 appearances since joining the Portuguese giants in 2020, was among those called to account by the disgruntled fanbase.
Initially, just four members of the ultra group were permitted entry to the training ground before they insisted the remaining supporters be allowed to join them.
Police were dispatched to the scene to ensure order was maintained, ultimately granting the fans access after receiving assurances that the demonstration would remain peaceful and no damage would be caused to club property.
The meeting took place on one of the training pitches at the Seixal complex, with the 200-strong group departing the facility roughly an hour after their arrival.
Jose Mourinho and Simao Sambrosa were confronted by Benfica fans
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The precise nature of what was discussed between the ultras and the club figures has not been disclosed.
The protest stems from mounting dissatisfaction with Benfica’s league position, sitting 10 points adrift of leaders Porto following 18 fixtures.
Although the club remains without defeat in the Primeira Liga, costly draws at home against lower-half sides Santa Clara, Rio Ave and Casa Pia have allowed their rivals to pull clear.
Jose Mourinho has struggled to get the best from his Benfica players
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Cup competitions have brought further disappointment, with Porto eliminating Benfica at the quarter-final stage of the Taca de Portugal.
A Champions League defeat to Juventus has added to the sense of crisis surrounding the club.
Despite the tense atmosphere, players still engaged with supporters following training, with 23-year-old defender Sidny Lopes Cabral and Ukrainian midfielder Heorhiy Sudakov both stopping to sign autographs and pose for photographs.
Mourinho took charge at Benfica last September, penning a contract running until summer 2027 after Bruno Lage was dismissed following a humiliating Champions League loss to Qarabag.
The Portuguese tactician’s return marks a full circle moment, having launched his managerial career at the Lisbon club in 2000, though that initial spell lasted merely 10 matches before ending amid a disagreement with the president.
Ruben Amorim has been linked with the Benfica job
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Upon his appointment, Mourinho declared: “The promise is very clear I will live for Benfica, for my mission.
“I’m not the important thing Benfica is important.”
The pressure now intensifies ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, a match Benfica must win to preserve any realistic hopes of reaching the knockout phase play-offs.
Former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been linked with the Benfica job amid Mourinho’s struggles.
