Portuguese football legend Jose Mourinho has confirmed he is in advanced talks to become Benfica’s new manager, nearly 24 years after his first spell at the club.
The 61-year-old tactician arrived in Lisbon on Wednesday and revealed to reporters at the airport that the approach from Benfica was one he simply could not refuse.
“Benfica officially asked me if I was interested. What coach says no to Benfica? Not me,” Mourinho said. “When I was presented with the opportunity to coach Benfica, I didn’t hesitate.”
Mourinho’s potential appointment comes just days after Bruno Lage was dismissed following Benfica’s shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag at the Estádio da Luz — a result that left fans stunned.
The move would mark a dramatic return to the club where Mourinho’s managerial career first began in 2000. His initial tenure lasted just 11 games before a fallout with the then-president. Two years later, he famously guided Porto to six trophies in two seasons, including the 2004 Champions League title.
Since then, Mourinho has built one of football’s most decorated résumés, managing Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, and Fenerbahce. Ironically, it was Benfica themselves who ended his time in Turkey after eliminating Fenerbahce from the Champions League play-offs on August 27, leading to his departure two days later.
If the deal is finalized, Mourinho will face immediate pressure, with Benfica set to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 30, followed by trips to Newcastle and a clash with Real Madrid in what many consider the “group of death.”
Mourinho’s return would not only ignite memories of his beginnings but also test whether “The Special One” can once again work his magic on Portuguese soil.
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