Jose Mourinho Calls Out Nine Players For 'Betraying' Him In Astonishing Rant

Jose Mourinho accused some of his players of 'betrayal' as he launched an astonishing rant after Benfica's big cup win.

Benfica beat Atletico CP 2-0 on Friday to book their spot in the next round of the Portuguese Cup.

But Mourinho's team made hard work of their win, scoring two late goals against the third division side to progress in the competition.

Richard Rios opened the scoring in the 73rd minute before Vangelis Pavlidis doubled his side's advantage from the spot four minutes later.

Benfica's second-half performance came off the back of the 62-year-old making wholesale changes at the break.

Mourinho ruthlessly replaced Joao Rego, Tomas Araujo, Franjo Ivanovic, and Enzo Barrenechea at half-time as he looked to freshen up his team.

His decision to make four changes ahead of the second-half ultimately paid off as Benfica avoided a giant killing as they beat Atletico CP to claim a spot in the next round.

Jose Mourinho made four changes at the break against Atletico CP. Image: Getty

Speaking after the result, Mourinho said he wanted to make nine changes at the break as he had to settle for four substitutions.

He also expressed his frustration at some of his players, stating he doesn't like players who 'betray' him.

"Our first half was poor. And it was poor in the sense that hurts me the most, which is when you're poor in attitude," the veteran manager told RTP.

"There were many players who weren't serious, who didn't approach things as they should have. At half-time, I made four substitutions, but I would have liked to have made nine."

Jose Mourinho accused some of his Benfica players of 'betrayal'. Image: Getty

Mourinho added: "At half-time, I identified in the locker room the players I would gladly keep on. There were two who wanted to play. Games are to be taken seriously. The other nine weren't.

"I didn't make five changes because I couldn't play 45 minutes without a single substitution. But I made four and I think they changed the game because of the intensity and seriousness.

"I'm paying close attention, even though I've only been here a short time, to the youth players. I don't like players who betray me."

Benfica are unbeaten in domestic competitions since Mourinho's appointment in September.

But their Champions League form has been an issue, having lost all four of their European fixtures this season, including defeats to Premier League duo Chelsea and Newcastle United.