“I prefer not to speak”: José Mourinho backtracks before Real Madrid return with Benfica

José Mourinho caused a huge amount of controversy after the first leg of Benfica’s Champions League playoff against Real Madrid in Lisbon, but he is unlikely to make the same mistake when the teams meet for the decisive return at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.

Why Mourinho won’t speak to the media before Madrid vs Benfica

The Portuguese manager had been expected to hold a media press conference before and after the return leg in the Spanish capital but has now decided to delegate that responsibility to assistant coach Joao Tralhao.

Mourinho is banned from the touchline for Wednesday’s second leg after being sent to the stands during Madrid’s controversial 1-0 victory in Portugal last week. Referee François Letexier showed the 63-year-old two yellow cards for protesting that Vinícius Júnior should have been sent off for a second bookable offense following a challenge from behind in the second half.

Will Mourinho face punishment for skipping the media?

Champions League regulations back Mourinho’s decision. Article 79.04 states that “each club must hold a pre-match press conference the day before the match. Each press conference must be attended by the head coach of the team and at least one player. If the head coach is suspended for the match, clubs have the option of making the assistant coach available for the pre-match press conference instead.”

Article 80.04 adds: “If the head coach is suspended for the match or is sent off during the match, the club has the option of making the assistant coach available for all obligatory matchday media activities instead.”

Mourinho is therefore well within his rights not to speak to the media either before or after the game in Madrid. The former Chelsea boss is expected to be in attendance but cannot enter the technical area or communicate with his staff during the match.

Racism allegations overshadow action on the pitch

The on-field action in Lisbon was completely overshadowed by allegations from Vinícius that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni had racially abused him after scoring what proved to be the only goal of the game.

The incident stopped play for several minutes, with an incensed Vinícius briefly refusing to continue. Prestianni was not punished by referee Letexier but has been suspended for the second leg while UEFA investigates.

Mourinho comments on Vinícius’ celebrations

In his post-game press conference, Mourinho suggested that Vinícius’ interactions with opposition fans and players may be a factor in why he is frequently the target of racist abuse.

“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium,” Mourinho said. ”The stadium where Vinícius played, something happened. Always.

“I told Vini Jr the celebration had to be different. This club has Eusebio as a legend, a black player… Benfica is NOT a racist club."

Classic Mourinho: “I prefer not to speak”

“I prefer not to speak,” first said after being asked about the refereeing during Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa in March 2014, is one of Mourinho’s most famous quotes. He has chosen to take the same stance again for this week’s crucial Champions League clash.

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