- Jose Mourinho is close to becoming Benfica’s new head coach.
- Bruno Lage was sacked after a home loss to Qarabag in the Champions League.
- Benfica president Rui Costa expects a new coach on the bench by Saturday against AVS.
- Mourinho was dismissed by Fenerbahce 19 days ago after losing a Champions League qualifier to Benfica.
- His first managerial role was at Benfica in 2000; he could return 25 years later.
- If appointed, he will face Chelsea in a Champions League match on September 30.
- This would be his first Portuguese club role since leaving Porto in 2004.
- Mourinho’s last major trophy was the UEFA Conference League with Roma in 2022.
Jose Mourinho is on the verge of taking over as Benfica’s head coach, sources from talkSPORT report.
The Portuguese club moved quickly after parting ways with former Wolves manager Bruno Lage following a shock home defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed that a replacement would be installed immediately, suggesting Mourinho could already be in charge by Saturday when Benfica face AVS at Vila das Aves.
The potential appointment marks a remarkable twist for Mourinho, who was dismissed by Fenerbahce just 19 days ago. Ironically, his exit from Turkey came after losing a Champions League qualifier to none other than Lage’s Benfica in August. Fenerbahce president Ali Koc cited concerns over Mourinho’s tactical approach as the reason for his departure after just over a year in charge.
If confirmed, Mourinho’s return will see him face a familiar opponent almost immediately: Chelsea, his former club, in a Champions League clash on September 30, broadcast live on talkSPORT 2.
The “Special One” first managed Benfica in September 2000, although his initial spell lasted only nine league matches before resigning. Remarkably, the upcoming AVS match coincides with the 25th anniversary of his original appointment.
Should he officially return, Mourinho would be stepping back into Portuguese football for the first time since leaving Porto in 2004 to join Chelsea. Over the years, he has cemented his reputation as one of football’s most successful managers, with his last major silverware being the UEFA Conference League triumph with Roma in 2022.
