Jose Mourinho is being strongly linked with a sensational return to Benfica after the club dismissed head coach Bruno Lage in the wake of a shock 3–2 home defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League. Portuguese broadcaster RTP has reported that Benfica are set to appoint the 62-year-old, though the club has not issued confirmation.
Benfica president Rui Costa told reporters a new coach would be on the bench by Saturday and stressed that the profile must be “a winner,” as local and international outlets reported preliminary talks with Mourinho’s representatives. ESPN and other outlets say discussions are underway, but that no agreement has yet been finalised.
Lage’s departure follows Tuesday’s late collapse against the Azerbaijani champions, who overturned a two-goal deficit at Estádio da Luz to deliver one of the opening night shocks of the competition. The result increases pressure on Benfica at the start of their European campaign.
A return would complete a full circle for Mourinho, who began his senior managerial career at Benfica in 2000 before lifting the European Cup with Porto in 2004 and again with Inter in 2010. He left Fenerbahce last month and is currently available.
If appointed, Mourinho would inherit a squad expected to contend domestically and to stabilise quickly in Europe after the setback against Qarabag. For now, Benfica supporters await official word from the club on the identity of their new coach.
