Jose Mourinho considering Benfica job after Lage sacked
The Special One could be about to make his return to Portugal
Jose Mourinho is weighing up the possibility of taking charge at Benfica following the dismissal of Bruno Lage, who was sacked after Tuesday’s 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League.
Lage’s side surrendered a two-goal advantage against the Azerbaijani champions at Estadio da Luz, prompting swift action from the club hierarchy.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed they aim to appoint a new head coach by Saturday but refused to confirm whether Mourinho is the frontrunner.
“Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a winner,” Costa said. “A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire. There’s no point in talking about names here. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future.”
Reports suggest Mourinho is open to a return to Portuguese football, more than two decades after he first left to join Chelsea. The 61-year-old was dismissed by Fenerbahce on 29 August, shortly after Benfica eliminated the Turkish side in the Champions League play-offs.
Mourinho’s connection with Benfica goes back to 2000, when he managed the club for just 10 matches before resigning amid a dispute with then-president Joao Vale e Azevedo.
He later established his reputation with Porto, winning six trophies – including the Champions League in 2004 – before embarking on a high-profile career across Europe with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, and most recently Fenerbahce.
If he were to return, Mourinho could face one of his former clubs almost immediately, with Benfica set to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 30 September. Their group stage also includes trips to Newcastle United and a home tie against Real Madrid.
Domestically, Benfica sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto with a game in hand. They finished second last season under Lage, just two points behind champions Sporting.
The decision to part ways with Lage comes at a politically charged moment for the club, with presidential elections scheduled for 25 October.
Candidate Joao Noronha Lopes, widely considered the favorite, is believed to be interested in prising Ruben Amorim away from Manchester United, having watched him at the Etihad on Sunday.
Costa, however, denied that the managerial change was linked to the upcoming election. “I’m not here to save any positions,” he said.
“I haven’t even gone anywhere to campaign yet, because my goal, as president of Benfica, is to ensure the best future for Benfica, regardless of what happens in the elections.
“And this decision-making has to do solely and exclusively with Benfica’s sporting season, and to avoid jeopardising Benfica’s sporting season. I’ve never put my interests ahead of Benfica’s, and I’m not going to do so now.”