Jose Mourinho has dismissed questions about his reunion with former Manchester United protege Scott McTominay, insisting his focus is solely on Benfica's Champions League clash with Napoli. The Portuguese manager, who took over at Benfica in September, faces a tough test against the Serie A champions at the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica currently sit third in the Primeira Liga, eight points behind leaders Porto and three adrift of rivals Sporting, whom they drew with last Friday. In the Champions League, they languish in 31st place after winning just one of five group matches. Mourinho’s side must improve their standing to avoid an early exit.
Napoli will be without injured stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, but McTominay—given his debut by Mourinho at United—is fit and in form. When asked if he was excited to catch up with McTominay and former Roma player Leonardo Spinazzola, Mourinho replied: ‘These exciting things happen before and post-match. Nothing more. We have to win this game against a very strong opponent.’
Mourinho also dismissed suggestions Napoli would struggle without De Bruyne and Lukaku. ‘Injuries? Don’t make me laugh,’ he said. ‘It’s my absences that make me cry. Not having De Bruyne, but having McTominay is the same. They had to change their formation and now they’re even better than before.’
Napoli boss Antonio Conte praised his squad’s response to an injury crisis that also sidelines Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, Alex Meret and Stanislav Lobotka. ‘It’s a moment where the players are demonstrating a great sense of responsibility,’ Conte said. ‘We face some difficulties, but the boys have given their full availability.’ Conte added that facing Mourinho is ‘always a pleasure’ and described him as ‘a winning coach’.
