Mansion Sports – Benfica coach Jose Mourinho has surprisingly issued a firm warning that he will end Gianluca Prestianni’s career at the club if allegations that the young Argentine player committed racial abuse against Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior are proven to be true.

Although the former Real Madrid coach emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence, he also asserted that there is no tolerance for any form of discrimination under his leadership.

Upholding the Principle of Presumption of Innocence

During a press conference ahead of the match against Gil Vicente FC on Monday, Mourinho addressed the media regarding the investigation into the 20-year-old Argentine winger.

He sought to maintain a balanced stance and stressed that the public and football authorities must respect the legal process before reaching conclusions.

He stated that he is not a lawyer, but neither is he someone who does not understand the law.

He questioned whether the presumption of innocence is still regarded as a human right.

Mourinho also criticized the relevant authorities by highlighting that UEFA did not include the word “if” in its initial communication regarding the player’s suspension, which he considered a crucial difference in a legal context.

Firm Ultimatum for Prestianni

Despite defending the importance of a fair legal process, Mourinho clearly outlined the consequences should the investigation ultimately confirm the allegations.

He asserted that if his player is proven not to respect the principles he upholds and which also represent Benfica’s values, then the player’s career with him will come to an end.

He reiterated that if Prestianni is found guilty, he will no longer view him in the same way, and their professional relationship will be finished. This statement reflects a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of discriminatory behavior.

Maintaining Neutrality Amid Tensions

The experienced coach refused to take sides in the tension between the club he currently manages and his former club in the Spanish capital.

He emphasized his desire to remain neutral, even though there are differing views from several figures he respects within the football world.

He stated that he does not wish to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid nor the red shirt of Benfica in the context of this controversy. 

Mourinho also responded to comments from his former player Alvaro Arbeloa, who now serves as Real Madrid’s coach and has been vocal regarding the situation.

Mourinho expressed his affection for Arbeloa and affirmed that he will continue to respect him, but in his view, the correct stance in this situation is the one he has taken, not the one adopted by Arbeloa.

Denies Rumors of a Return to Real Madrid

On the same occasion, Mourinho also denied reports suggesting that he was using the match between Benfica and Real Madrid as an opportunity to prove himself in order to return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

He dismissed such speculation while reaffirming his commitment to the Portuguese club and his intention to honor his current contract.

He questioned whether he would make such statements if he truly intended to leave Benfica in order to return to Real Madrid.

He emphasized his desire to respect his contract, and if the club wishes to extend it for several more years, he is prepared to sign without disputing a single word.

However, he also underlined that he only wishes to focus on one competition, not two simultaneously.