Jose Mourinho is in discussions to become the new head coach of Benfica, marking a potential return to the club where he briefly served in 2000. The 62-year-old Portuguese manager was dismissed from Fenerbahce last month after a year in charge, but he could soon find himself back in management, replacing Bruno Lage, who was recently sacked following a stunning 3-2 loss to Qarabag in the Champions League.
The defeat on September 26, 2023, was especially significant as it marked Benfica’s first loss of the season. During the match, Benfica squandered a two-goal lead, prompting immediate action from the club’s leadership. Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s dismissal in a press conference, stating, “I believe this is the time for a change, precisely to avoid compromising the season. The coach who comes in must be a winning coach.”
This urgency for change comes as Benfica aims to reclaim their status in both domestic and European competitions. The club reached the league phase of the Champions League after eliminating Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the play-off round, which ultimately led to his exit from the Turkish side.
Should Mourinho finalize the agreement to return to Benfica, he would face his former club Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30, 2023. This match at Stamford Bridge will be a significant event, rekindling Mourinho’s history with both clubs. He first gained prominence at Porto, where he won the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the Champions League in 2004, before moving to Chelsea, leading them to multiple Premier League titles.
Mourinho’s career has been marked by success, including a Champions League victory with Inter Milan in 2010 and a Europa League title with Manchester United in 2017. Although his tenure at Tottenham ended without silverware, he did claim the UEFA Europa Conference League title with Roma in 2022. His latest role at Fenerbahce was cut short after he publicly criticized the board for not signing the players he desired ahead of their Champions League play-off against Benfica.
Sky Sports News’ Gary Cotterill noted the significance of this potential return, stating, “Although talks have taken place, it’s not a done deal yet. There are presidential elections approaching at Benfica, with the new president already suggesting Mourinho’s name.” This context adds another layer to the unfolding narrative, as Mourinho’s initial stint at Benfica was cut short due to similar circumstances surrounding club leadership changes.
Looking ahead, Benfica’s next match in the Champions League against Chelsea presents an intriguing backdrop for Mourinho, who has deep connections to both clubs. Furthermore, a December fixture against Newcastle—where he once sought to work alongside the late Sir Bobby Robson—adds to the compelling nature of his possible return to Benfica.
In this full-circle moment, Mourinho’s return could reshape Benfica’s ambitions this season as they navigate European and domestic challenges. As negotiations continue, the football world watches closely to see if the charismatic manager will reclaim his spot on the sidelines at one of Portugal’s most storied clubs.
