Mourinho Points Out Chelsea Duo Who Struggled in Benfica Clash

|By Babatunji Wusu

Benfica manager José Mourinho has singled out Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho and Malo Gusto as the players who faltered during their UEFA Champions League encounter at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Despite Richard Rios’ own goal handing the Blues a narrow 1-0 victory, Mourinho insisted that Garnacho and Gusto were unable to cope with Benfica’s pressure before Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca substituted them.

“Malo Gusto was already struggling, Reece James came in. Garnacho was already struggling, Jamie Gittens came in. We are a bit limited,” Mourinho told reporters after the match, as quoted by Metro UK.

Both players were withdrawn in the second half, with Reece James and Jamie Gittens brought on to steady Chelsea’s play.

However, Maresca offered a contrasting view, praising Garnacho’s contribution. “He was very good against Benfica,” the Chelsea manager said of the Argentine forward.

The win keeps Chelsea’s Champions League hopes on track, while Mourinho’s Benfica look to regroup ahead of the return fixture.