Jose Mourinho left Turkish club Fenerbahce last August. He is not currently associated with any club. Meanwhile, heated discussions have started regarding the possibility of his return to Benfica. Sports-based media outlet ESPN reported that the club authorities have already made initial contact with Mourinho. As a result, there is a possibility that the Portuguese coach will return to coaching soon.
Benfica lost 3-2 to Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday. The team failed to hold on to a two-goal lead at one stage. Bruno Laje was then fired. Mourinho is the most talked about name in the race to find a new coach for the team. It is learned that the Portuguese coach has also expressed interest in taking charge of Benfica.
Although the deal is not yet finalized, multiple sources have confirmed the talks between the two parties. He has never returned to Portugal permanently since leaving FC Porto to become Chelsea coach in 2004. However, Benfica has a special relationship with the 62-year-old Mourinho. His coaching career began there in 2000 after managing just 10 matches.
In other words, Mourinho has gradually risen to become one of the most successful managers in world football since he started coaching at Benfica. Meanwhile, Benfica wants to appoint a new coach before Saturday’s match against AVS in the Primeira Liga. So the pressure to make a decision has increased. However, the club is not only considering Mourinho, but also considering Ruben Amori, who is in a turbulent situation at Manchester United.
Amorim spent time at Benfica as a player from 2008 to 2017. As a result, a section of the fans are in favor of bringing him back to the team. In this situation, Benfica president Rui Costa has clearly expressed their expectations regarding the process of appointing a coach. He said, “The Benfica coach must have the mentality of a winner.”
He added, “Someone who will represent such a big club, who can take this team to the desired heights and bring us the title we deserve. No one has been appointed today, no one has been finalized for the future. But we are preparing to have a new coach on the bench on Saturday.”
If Mourinho’s appointment is confirmed, he will face several emotional reunions. He will return to Stamford Bridge on September 30, where he will face Chelsea in the Champions League. Then on October 5, his opponent will be his old team Porto in a league match. He will take the field again for Benfica on January 28, 2026, against Real Madrid, the club he also once successfully managed.
FAQ
Why is Jose Mourinho linked with Benfica?
Mourinho is reportedly in talks with Benfica to become their new coach after the club’s Champions League loss.
When did Mourinho leave Benfica previously?
Mourinho left Benfica in 2000 after managing only 10 matches before moving on to bigger European clubs.
What is Mourinho’s current status?
Mourinho left Fenerbahce in August and is currently not associated with any club.
Why is Benfica searching for a new coach?
Benfica sacked Bruno Laje after their 3-2 defeat to Qarabag and want a new coach before their upcoming Primeira Liga match.
Are there other candidates for the Benfica job?
Yes, Ruben Amorim, a former Benfica player and current Manchester United coach, is also being considered.
