You promised explanations to members and fans at the end of the season. Why are you only speaking now? "Good afternoon to everyone and thank you for being here. After the women's cup final, I promised to speak that week, but as you all know—and I believe everyone is aware of the reasons that led me to speak only now... As you remember, after the match against Estoril, José Mourinho said he would decide his future that week and, from the moment elections were called at Real Madrid and Mourinho made it clear he wanted to accept the offer if Florentino won, we needed to be cautious, more patient, and keep the situation under control, waiting for the outcome of the elections so that I could not only explain the season to you, but also talk about the future without José Mourinho. We couldn't be reckless in a situation like this, and I acted in the way I thought was best for Benfica. And this patience proved to be the right approach. I'm sorry to only speak now, but it was a process that took much longer than we expected and forced us to be prudent and manage the situation so we wouldn't make a mistake. There was a clause involved that meant a lot, and Benfica couldn't make the first move, risking a mistake. That patience brought us here. It took longer than expected and longer than we wanted, but it had the effect you now know."
"Marco Silva's success will be crucial for Benfica's success"
What do you expect from Marco Silva? "What every Benfica fan expects. That he can bring us the titles we so desire. We believe he is the ideal coach for Benfica. His experience in England and what he has achieved gives us that hope. I am very pleased with this choice and very ambitious for Benfica's future with a coach who, I believe, will bring us what we want. Marco Silva's success will be fundamental for Benfica's success, and that's what we expect."
"Mourinho knew perfectly well he was the coach I wanted"
Contract renewal offer to José Mourinho: "We made it when we thought it was the right time and we discussed it. Mourinho knew perfectly well he was the coach I wanted for next season. He had a contract until the end of the season and we wouldn't let him start his final year with only one year left. That's what we did, but José Mourinho made a different choice. Real Madrid came into the picture and he chose another path."
José Mourinho in a Real Madrid shirt: "At first, I was surprised, but we received a clear explanation of how it happened (through artificial intelligence). Internally, it was resolved."
From José Mourinho's side? "Of course, obviously."
Did Mourinho inform you about Real Madrid's offer when you proposed a renewal? "Just remember Mourinho's last press conference, when he said he had a 99% chance of staying because he had a good offer. Let's set aside the idea that we only made a renewal offer because we knew Mourinho was going to Real Madrid. The first time I was asked if Mourinho would stay at Benfica, it was actually the opposite. It was after the game against Casa Pia. And that week, before the match at Alvalade, I stated that Mourinho was my coach for the following year."
"We haven't received the 15 million yet, but it's guaranteed"
When will you receive the 15 million from Real Madrid? "All the agreements are in place. We haven't received the 15 million yet, but it's guaranteed and should arrive at any moment. It's just bureaucracy."
Why didn't you remove that clause from José Mourinho's contract? "Right from the start, when that clause was created, we were in an election period. It allowed that, if I didn't win the elections, whoever came in would have more flexibility to continue or not with José Mourinho. I've seen a lot of confusion about this. That clause applied to both Benfica and Mourinho. If Benfica wanted to dismiss Mourinho, we would have to pay 7 million, and if Mourinho wanted to leave, the same. This clause was only for these two parties. At any time, even within those 10 days, if any club wanted Mourinho, they would always have to pay the 15 million. That agreement was only between the two parties. The clause served that purpose, and none of us expected there wouldn't be continuity. Let it be clear: any club that wanted Mourinho would always have to pay the 15 million. The 7 million was only between Benfica and Mourinho."
Sixth coach in five years as president: "Benfica is changing coach because the coach decided to leave at this time. Just like in my first year with Jorge Jesus, when Flamengo came in December and caused the complications it did. I will always try to ensure our coaches have the longest possible tenure at the club. Mourinho chose a different project for his career."
"Marco Silva is a great coach and is at the ideal moment"
Choosing a Portuguese coach: "Choosing a Portuguese coach right now serves two purposes: one, because I like and believe in it, and two, because I consider Marco Silva a great coach who is at the ideal stage of his career to coach a club like Benfica. From the moment I decided on Marco Silva, all other options were completely ruled out."
Why didn't you make a renewal offer to Mourinho earlier? "We made the offer when we thought it was right. We're not talking about a coach who was on borrowed time or whose contract was ending. Our focus at that moment was to recover the season, which was already behind in the title race. Let's set aside the idea that this timing influenced Mourinho's decision. If I had renewed in March and Real Madrid came in at the end of the season, nothing would have changed. But it's funny that I'm still criticized for renewing with a coach in March 2023 who, with nine games to go, had a 10-point lead. And now I'm criticized for the opposite. Mourinho always knew from my side that he wouldn't start the next season without a renewal. Mourinho's continuity was never in question, and he knows that. We talked every day, and there's no avoiding this topic. But we decided to extend this period and, at the end of the season, we would renew. Another important point, and let this be clear: the official offer to Mourinho came before the last matchday, when we still had a remote hope of finishing second."
Read more - Marco Silva returns to Portugal through the main doors of Estádio da Luz
"We want to keep the core of the squad and strengthen with new signings"
Squad planning and transfer market: "Not all players are for sale, we don't have a full market list, and we haven't put everyone up for sale. We know in advance—and I'm not going to hide it—that not being in the Champions League will force us to make some efforts. But we want to keep the core of the squad and make the necessary additions. Right away, and it's obvious, Otamendi's departure will require strengthening the central area. The absence from the Champions League affects any club, but we are ready to invest in the market so we can compete in all competitions."
If Florentino Pérez hadn't won, would Mourinho be Benfica's coach? "We considered all scenarios because we weren't dependent on Mourinho or Real Madrid. All scenarios were considered. And after this whirlwind, we had to move forward and plan for next season. There was a gentleman's agreement between the parties that Benfica would not be harmed, but we were already thinking about the next coach. Respectfully, both parties reached that agreement and no one would be harmed."
Disappointed by José Mourinho's decision? "No, I have to respect it. It was unexpected for us, I won't hide it, but I have to respect it and move on."
Was Marco Silva a second or third choice? "I can't hide something like that, nor is Marco unaware of this decision. If we made a renewal offer to Mourinho, Marco Silva only comes to Benfica because Mourinho didn't stay, that's obvious. Regarding all the names that were mentioned, let me make something very clear and transparent: in Portugal, people love to talk about first and second choices. It's a recurring topic. But no club makes this decision without a shortlist. I'm not going to talk about names that were or weren't contacted or offered to Benfica. As soon as Marco Silva became available, our choice was Marco Silva."
If Benfica fails to win titles again this season, will you consider resigning? "I don't have to think about resigning, I have to think about how Benfica will win titles."
"We made a serious offer to José Mourinho"
Did you feel betrayed by José Mourinho? "Mourinho never hid from us that there had been an approach from Real Madrid. The rest... He had to follow his own path. Just remember Mourinho's last press conference as Benfica coach. That day, he didn't tell you if he was staying, but he said there was a good chance. We made a serious offer to José Mourinho and respected his decision to take another path in his career. That's in the past now, he'll be Real Madrid's coach, and ours will be Marco Silva."
Read more - Mourinho says goodbye to Benfica: “It was an honor and a privilege”
Who has prepared the pre-season so far? "Benfica's structure, obviously. To give the coach the best conditions to make decisions accordingly. We didn't just wait for everything to be resolved and then see what we needed... The coach already has, and as you know is already working, everything from last season's report, what we think didn't work well, to tailor things to our needs. It was an awkward time because we were silent, but we weren't unprepared for next season."
What do you expect from the General Assemblies? "I hope they are worthy of Benfica. Respectful. Critical, naturally, because it was a year in which we didn't win what we should have."
Do you feel Mourinho said no to Benfica and yes to Real Madrid? "That was a phrase Mourinho used (at the official presentation)... I believe he chose a different path for his career and I will respect that."
"The worst season I had as president was the very first one"
Was this the worst season as Benfica president? "The worst season I had as president was the very first one. We finished third but still made it to the Champions League. After that, it didn't happen again, and this was a frustrating year, very negative for Benfica. I apologize to all Benfica fans for a year that fell short of all our expectations. Now it's about fixing what went wrong—which was a lot—and going into next season with optimism. Those are our principles from now on."
What did Marco Silva say to you about the Benfica project? "Right away, while the press was saying Marco Silva demanded to build the squad, we hadn't even reached financial agreements... Let's demystify this a bit. Obviously, bringing in a coach from the Premier League is never easy, but there was mutual respect in understanding Marco Silva's value and Marco Silva understanding that coming to Portugal meant the numbers couldn't be the same as in the highest-paying league in the world. He is fully aligned with Benfica's project, watched Benfica's games throughout the year, and knows where the gaps are."
What did Marco Silva ask for? "I'm not going to say what he has or hasn't asked for. He's demanding, and that's good for us. We'll try to reach a consensus regarding the club's possibilities to build the best squad to compete on all fronts. I'll be clear: we're facing a different year. The first step is to get into the Europa League, since we have three qualifying rounds. Then we have to establish ourselves as contenders. We haven't won the league for three years, and we want a squad ready for all those challenges. I see Marco very optimistic, confident with the talent we have at home. Of course, with a few more reinforcements as needed. But for now, I can say there's great optimism from him, and we're very pleased with the positivity he brings."
Departures from the squad: "I can say that, so far, the market is very quiet. It's a World Cup year, and we're in no rush to make sales. Even with or without the Champions League, that's not going to make us take measures that could be harmful."
"Marco Silva will be presented tomorrow, the clause is the same"
Marco Silva's release clause: "Marco's release clause is the same, 15 million euros. Marco Silva will be presented tomorrow. We can't hide. We have three qualifying rounds to reach the Europa League. Benfica has to establish itself as one of the contenders. I'm not saying Benfica will win, but it has to be one of the contenders. Our financial situation allows us to go a year without the Champions League without major issues, although it does have an impact. We're ready and prepared to overcome this as well. That won't stop us from strengthening the team and building a squad worthy of Benfica's history, fighting for all competitions."
Read more - Real Madrid pays Mourinho's clause and Benfica announces Marco Silva
The impact of refereeing on Benfica's season: "The season went badly. It was unusual in many ways. And to explain it: it was atypical in several respects. We're talking about the Europa League situation, but nothing is more concerning than what happened last year. Right from the start, coming from the Club World Cup and starting to compete 20 days later, with no break, nothing. That cost us a lot, much more than this period now. At that time, we were very focused on the immediate competitions ahead, coming almost straight from the Club World Cup to the Super Cup and Champions League qualifiers. We achieved both objectives, but it took a huge toll and sacrifice from the players and the staff. No one had a break. Then we had a huge physical and mental drain that cost us dearly in the league. In the league, we made mistakes we shouldn't have made. It's unusual for a club to finish the league unbeaten and in third place, but you can't have 11 draws in a season. Dropping so many points at home... We lost the title because of those mistakes. Too many draws and crucial points dropped. But if we made a lot of mistakes during the year—and I can't avoid them—we also can't hide everything that happened with refereeing. I'm not hiding behind that, but I can't forget what happened. I don't remember a club being so harmed in a year as Benfica was this year."
Did refereeing affect the standings? "Of course. And we can't ignore that. I'm not making excuses because I take responsibility for the bad season and apologize, but I can't hide what happened with the refereeing. The cases were very clear, and you commented on them throughout the season. What we demand is that Benfica is respected and that next year is very different. We had already come from a cup final the way it happened, and now what happened in Famalicão, where I'm going to be suspended... The referee who officiated that game was just yesterday acting as fourth official."
Read more - Rui Costa suspended for 45 days and fined 7,650 euros by the Disciplinary Board
Were you disappointed with Mourinho's work? "If I had been disappointed, I wouldn't have made him a renewal offer."
How is your relationship with Mourinho now? "It's good, there's no point in trying to create speculation. I respect his decision, and we already have a coach for next season."
Schjelderup's contract renewal: "The renewal offer is in his hands. It's not urgent because his contract isn't ending, but we'll wait for his decision. When it's done, we'll talk to him."
Renewal offer to António Silva: "António Silva also has a renewal offer on the table. Our job is to renew with the players we believe deserve it. Their job is to accept or not, and I hope he accepts."
When did you find out Mourinho wanted to go to Real Madrid? "We found out, and that's why all this happened, in the week when the Real Madrid elections were called. I believe it wasn't just Benfica that was caught by surprise, but also Mourinho. The delay was because of this and nothing else. I don't want to repeat myself. What Mourinho said in that press conference was the same message he gave me."
Option for an extra year in Marco Silva's two-year contract: "It's a national champion option. If he wins the league, it automatically extends for another year."
"Zalazar was not a player Benfica was interested in at those values"
What went wrong in the attempt to sign Rodrigo Zalazar? "Was he wanted by Benfica? Do you know of any offer? If I had to analyze every player mentioned in the press, we'd need a 24-hour press conference. He was not a player Benfica was interested in at those values."
Read more - Zalazar is Sporting's first signing for next season
Mourinho once said he didn't like dealing with a real league and a virtual one: "No one likes it... We have always spoken out when we felt those issues arose. We've expressed our disappointment to the relevant authorities about what's been happening, our discomfort. What José Mourinho said was exactly how we felt. In several situations, we felt very harmed by refereeing. I'm not going to hide something that was a fact just because we missed our goals. That wasn't the only reason for our failure, but it contributed. I don't remember a team being so harmed. We've already made all the complaints to the Refereeing Council and demand transparency. We demand that next season is fair for all clubs. We don't want to be favored, but we can't keep being harmed."
"I'm not here to be everyone's favorite"
Villas-Boas said Rui Costa was a "football gentleman." Does that mean you have to work harder? "That's a question that, I'm sorry, doesn't make any sense at all. I'm not here to be everyone's favorite, I'm here to defend Benfica's interests. The fact that André Villas-Boas raised that issue doesn't mean I'm here sleeping or watching others go by."
Did Mourinho leave a legacy in Benfica's structure? "Every coach, in one way or another, leaves a mark on the club, the structure, the players, in their workspace. A coach with Mourinho's experience and ability obviously left something very important for us. That's why I recognize that the work he was doing deserved continuity. I'm grateful for what he tried to do at Benfica. I witnessed what he tried to improve in the team and how he tried to lead it to titles, but, as I've said... I understand there's a lot to clarify about this story, but right now we're already preparing for next season."
Does António Silva's renewal include the captain's armband? "Unless there's a revolution, Benfica's captains remain the same. Otamendi has left. Now it's António Silva, Fredrik (Aursnes), and Tomás (Araújo)."
Did Marco Silva's tactical system influence the decision? "Yes, precisely. The ability we believe he has. But it's also important that Marco Silva's playing style is almost identical to what we've been using. That was a big influence as well. He's ready to take this squad and make it work. And then, because of his career and the fact that he knows Portuguese football—even though he's been abroad for nine years, he never stopped following Portuguese football and is familiar with Benfica's history and demands. We're coming off a bad year, and it takes someone with courage and strength to lift Benfica's team."