José Mourinho is considering returning to Benfica after Bruno Lage’s sacking. Club president Rui Costa seeks a ‘winner’ as manager. Mourinho, recently departed from Fenerbahce, is open to a Portugal return. A potential Benfica appointment would see Mourinho face Chelsea in the Champions League.
José Mourinho is reportedly considering a return to Benfica following the dismissal of Bruno Lage. Lage was sacked after Benfica's shocking 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League qualifiers, a result that has sent shockwaves through the club. The loss, which saw Benfica surrender a two-goal lead at their home ground, Estadio da Luz, proved to be the final straw for the club's hierarchy.
Club president Rui Costa has stated his intention to appoint a new manager by Saturday. However, he remained tight-lipped regarding speculation linking Mourinho with the job. "Benfica coach's profile must be that of a winner," Costa said, emphasizing the need for a manager capable of bringing the team to the levels demanded by the club and securing titles.
Sources close to Mourinho have indicated that the Portuguese manager is open to the possibility of returning to work in his homeland. This comes shortly after his departure from Fenerbahce on August 29, a mere two days after the Turkish club was eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by none other than Benfica. The irony of the situation is not lost on observers, with Mourinho potentially replacing the manager who oversaw his former club's elimination.
Mourinho's managerial career began with Benfica in 2000. His first stint was short-lived, as he took charge of only 10 games before departing due to a dispute with the club president. He subsequently made a name for himself at Porto, where he achieved remarkable success between 2002 and 2004, winning six trophies, including the Champions League in the 2003-04 season.
Since leaving Portugal in 2004, Mourinho has managed a string of top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and most recently, Fenerbahce. His track record speaks for itself, with league titles won in four different countries, solidifying his reputation as one of the most successful managers in the modern game.
If Mourinho were to be appointed as Benfica's manager, he would face an immediate reunion with Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on September 30. Benfica's Champions League campaign also includes challenging fixtures against Newcastle United and Real Madrid, adding further intrigue to the potential appointment.
Currently, Benfica finds themselves in sixth place in the Primeira Liga, trailing leaders Porto by five points, although they do have a game in hand. Last season, they finished as runners-up, two points behind Sporting, under the guidance of Bruno Lage. The timing of Lage's departure coincides with Benfica's preparations for their presidential election, scheduled for October 25.
João Noronha Lopes, the frontrunner in the presidential election, is reportedly interested in Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and was present at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to observe Portuguese players. However, Rui Costa insists that the decision to change managers is not influenced by his own re-election campaign. "I'm not here to save any positions," Costa affirmed, emphasizing that his focus remains on ensuring the best future for Benfica, regardless of the election outcome.
He further clarified that the decision was solely based on Benfica's sporting season and to avoid jeopardizing the club's future. "I've never put my interests ahead of Benfica's, and I'm not going to do so now," he concluded, underlining the club's commitment to making decisions in the best interests of the team.
The potential return of Mourinho to Benfica would undoubtedly be a major talking point in the world of football. His experience, tactical prowess, and winning mentality could provide the club with the boost they need to compete at the highest level. However, it remains to be seen whether the two parties can reach an agreement and whether Mourinho is indeed the right fit for Benfica at this juncture.