Jose Mourinho ordered his Benfica players to sleep at the club's Seixal training ground after their 3-1 League Cup semi-final defeat to Braga. The Portuguese manager, appointed in September, delivered a monologue in the locker room and wants his squad to reflect overnight. Benfica finished the match with 10 men following Nicolas Otamendi's red card, ending an 11-game unbeaten run.

Mourinho stated training would continue Thursday and Friday as they prepare for next Wednesday's crucial Portuguese Cup quarter-final against rivals Porto. He told reporters he hopes the players 'don't sleep and instead think a lot' following the disappointing loss. This defeat marks a significant setback for a team currently sitting third in the Primeira Liga, ten points behind leaders Porto.

This unconventional disciplinary tactic is classic Mourinho, echoing his intense man-management style from previous spells at Chelsea and Inter Milan. Benfica fans will be watching closely to see if this sleepover approach can spark a turnaround against Porto. The club's title hopes depend on a swift response, with Mourinho looking to reignite their league campaign and salvage silverware in his first season back.