Could the Special One be making a comeback?
José Mourinho is reportedly on the verge of an exciting return to Benfica, just weeks after his dismissal from Fenerbahçe. The decision to part ways with Bruno Lage came after Benfica squandered a two-goal advantage, ultimately losing 3-2 to Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Following a chorus of discontent from fans at full time, Lage was let go, and Mourinho has emerged as the top candidate to take over.
The 62-year-old began his remarkable managerial career with Benfica in 2000, however, his stint was brief—he oversaw just ten matches before moving on to achieve greater success at Porto. There, he notably guided Porto to back-to-back European titles, winning the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the Champions League in 2004. Now, he is poised to return to his home country and potentially face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on September 30th.
Is José Mourinho returning to Benfica?
Following the unexpected defeat to Qarabag, Benfica president Rui Costa addressed Lage’s firing, indicating that a new manager would be appointed in time for the upcoming match against AVS on the weekend. Costa remarked, “The profile of the Benfica coach must reflect a winning mentality. Our club demands a manager who can elevate our team to the level necessary to capture the titles we desire. While no coach has been named yet, we are actively preparing to ensure that Benfica will have a new coach by Saturday.”
Multiple reputable sources report that Benfica is in advanced negotiations with Mourinho, almost precisely 25 years after he began his managerial career with the Lisbon club on September 20, 2000. Mourinho’s departure from Fenerbahçe came just two games into the Süper Lig season, following a failure to qualify for the Champions League. It has also been a decade since he last won a league title, which he achieved with Chelsea in 2015. His return would undoubtedly garner significant attention for Benfica, with the primary goal being to clinch the Liga Portugal title, though the team currently trails Porto by five points after just five matches.
