Mourinho Contemplates Return to Benfica Following Managerial Change
Jose Mourinho is considering the possibility of replacing Bruno Lage as head coach of Benfica, following Lage's dismissal after a disappointing Champions League defeat to Qarabag.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager's team squandered a two-goal lead, ultimately losing 3-2 to the Azerbaijani side at Estadio da Luz.
Club president Rui Costa has expressed the intention to appoint a new manager by Saturday but refrained from confirming that Mourinho is the favored candidate.
According to BBC Sport, Mourinho is open to a return to Portugal, 21 years after he first left for Chelsea.
Mourinho's most recent managerial position ended when he was sacked by Fenerbahce on August 29, just two days after the Turkish club was eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica.
“The profile of the Benfica coach must be that of a winner,” Costa stated. “A coach representing a club of this size must possess the ability to elevate this team to the levels we demand and secure the titles we desire.”
He added, “There’s no point in discussing names at this stage. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned as a prospective leader for Benfica in the future.”
Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000 but had a brief tenure, overseeing only 10 matches before leaving due to a conflict with the club president.
He later gained prominence with Porto from 2002 to 2004, where he secured six trophies, including the UEFA Champions League in the 2003-04 season.
Since departing his home country in 2004, Mourinho has managed several top clubs, including Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahce.
If appointed by Benfica, Mourinho would lead the team against Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on September 30. Benfica will also face Newcastle United and host Real Madrid later in the league phase of the competition.
Currently, Benfica sits sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto, although they have a game in hand. Last season, they finished second in the league, just two points behind Sporting, under Lage's management.
The decision to part ways with Lage comes as Benfica prepares for its presidential election on October 25. Joao Noronha Lopes, the frontrunner for the presidency, is reportedly interested in Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and was seen at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
However, Costa emphasized that the decision to change managers is not politically motivated. “I’m not here to secure any positions,” he asserted. “I haven’t even begun campaigning, as my goal as president of Benfica is to ensure the best future for the club, regardless of the election outcomes. This decision is solely focused on Benfica’s sporting season and avoiding jeopardizing it. I have never prioritized my interests over those of Benfica, and I will not start now.”