Statements by Benfica coach, José Mourinho, in the press room at the Rio Ave FC Stadium, after the 2-0 victory, in the 18th round of the League: How the team entered after two defeats and whether the changes made to the team are a good starting point for what's to come: «I think the most important thing is, after the sadness of a defeat, to be able to have the mental energy, belief, self-esteem to get here and do what we did, playing 90 or so minutes last Wednesday, in the North, with a sad, long trip. We internally decided to only travel on game day and by plane. It's a bit counter-natural, but it was staying at home for another day and trying to transform the sadness and frustration of a defeat into positivity. Instead of holding on to defeat, hold on to what they were capable of. Then, the added difficulty due to the injuries we have. Enzo's presence on the bench is doubtful, Manu is also not well yet and Bruma is far from being well. I think that the players, sometimes, also deserve positive words and, from my side, respect for what they did in these last two games, especially in this one, with tired people. The result is not expressive, but the way they played and dominated the game I think is expressive.” Formula he found to motivate the group: «The way to motivate and prepare the team is by following a basic principle. The principle of justice. Whoever plays like Benfica played at Dragão, with the dedication they had... I treated them fairly. It’s affection, empathy, dialogue. Do not believe that the result was a defeat and elimination. It was going in the direction of a great game, with personality. It was to go on the side of justice. Then, we analyzed Rio Ave, like any team. We tried to find a way, with the players we had available, to create danger, with those we had on the field and on the bench. We had limited Enzo, Manu and Bruma, kid Rego, kid Neto, Mr. António Silva… and with these limitations trying to have balance. We didn't lose many balls, but when we did, the team was organized. The players were brave. Nothing special was done and not just on my part: the president himself when he spoke to the players before the game for a couple of minutes, Mário Branco yesterday, Simão Sabrosa two days ago. Everyone was fair to the players and they responded to that justice.”