Jose Mourinho is close to making a dramatic return to Benfica, almost 25 years after he first managed the Lisbon club. The 61-year-old coach left Fenerbahce only last month. He is now in advanced talks to replace Bruno Lage as Benfica’s new boss.
Benfica removed Lage after a poor start to the season. The final blow came in the Champions League. Benfica lost 3-2 at home to Qarabag despite leading 2-0. That defeat pushed club president Rui Costa to act.
Mourinho began his coaching career at Benfica in September 2000. He was in charge for just 11 matches before moving to Porto, where he won the Champions League in 2004. If the deal goes through, this will be his first job in Portugal in more than 20 years.
Ironically, Mourinho lost his last job after a Champions League qualifier against Benfica. Fenerbahce dismissed him on August 28 after that match. Now he could lead Benfica in Europe’s top competition. It would be his 12th role as a manager after spells at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and Fenerbahce.
Mourinho’s first match could be this weekend against AVS in the domestic league. A bigger test might come on September 30. Benfica will play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League, giving Mourinho a return to his old ground.
Mourinho last lifted a trophy in 2022 with Roma in the UEFA Conference League. He is still one of the most successful coaches in world football. Benfica hopes he can bring stability and guide the team back to success at home and in Europe.
