Mourinho confirms Benfica contact, open to return
Jose Mourinho is on the verge of returning to Benfica as head coach, following the club’s decision to part ways with Bruno Lage after a shocking Champions League defeat, sources confirmed on Wednesday. The 62-year-old Portuguese manager, most recently dismissed by Turkish club Fenerbahce in August, is in advanced talks to sign a contract that would mark his second spell at the Lisbon giants, 25 years after his initial brief tenure in 2000.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s dismissal came after the team surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to Qarabag of Azerbaijan, a result that endangered the club’s European ambitions early in the season. Costa emphasized the need for a “winning coach” capable of restoring Benfica’s performance levels and delivering titles. Mourinho, renowned for his tactical acumen and success at top clubs including Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester United, and Real Madrid, has been identified as the prime candidate to fill this role.
Mourinho’s last managerial post ended abruptly after Fenerbahce failed to secure Champions League qualification, losing to none other than Benfica in the playoff stage. This added an intriguing layer to the forthcoming appointment, as Mourinho is set to guide Benfica into the Champions League group stages, with upcoming fixtures including a high-profile encounter against his former club Chelsea.
Sources indicate that Mourinho’s contract specifics and final formalities are being finalized at Benfica’s training ground, with a formal announcement expected before the club’s next Primeira Liga match. His return signifies a strategic move by Benfica to strengthen their squad leadership with a coach known for his defensive organization, tactical versatility, and proven ability to motivate squads under pressure.
For Benfica, Mourinho’s appointment reflects a broader ambition to reclaim dominance in Portuguese football, challenging rivals like Porto and Sporting while advancing deeper in European competitions. For Mourinho, the role offers a platform to revive his managerial career and demonstrate his enduring capacity for leadership at the highest level, bringing his trademark intensity and experience back to Portuguese football where he originally made his mark.
This signing could be pivotal for both parties, aligning Benfica’s aspirations with Mourinho’s fiercely competitive coaching style, marking a new chapter in their intertwined histories.