Jose Mourinho Poised to Become Benfica Manager
Jose Mourinho has indicated that he is on the verge of being appointed as the manager of Benfica after arriving in Lisbon for discussions with the Portuguese club.
Mourinho is expected to succeed Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following a home defeat against Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The 62-year-old coach has been out of work for less than a month after his recent departure from Fenerbahce.
"Benfica officially approached me to see if I was interested. What coach would decline the opportunity to manage Benfica? Not me," Mourinho stated to reporters upon his arrival in Lisbon.
"When I was presented with the chance to coach Benfica, I did not hesitate to express my interest and willingness to take the role."
Mourinho began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but only oversaw 10 matches before leaving due to a disagreement with the club president.
He subsequently gained prominence with Porto from 2002 to 2004, where he secured six trophies, including the Champions League title in the 2003-04 season.
Since departing his home country in 2004, Mourinho has managed several prominent clubs, including Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahce.
He parted ways with the Turkish club on August 29, just two days after they were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica.
If appointed, Mourinho would face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on September 30, with Benfica also set to visit Newcastle United and host Real Madrid during the league phase of the tournament.