Following his sacking from Fenerbahce earlier this season, Jose Mourinho is poised for a return to management. Reports indicate that the 62-year-old is in line to take over at Benfica, potentially setting up an exciting showdown with his former club, Chelsea.
Mourinho’s Time at Fenerbahce Ends Amidst Champions League Failure
Mourinho’s stint at Fenerbahce ended in August after he failed to secure a spot in the Champions League. His dismissal marked the end of just over a year with the Super Lig team, having joined them in 2022.
Benfica’s Search for a New Manager
According to reports from Wednesday morning, Mourinho is a top candidate to replace Bruno Lage, who was sacked after Benfica’s 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League. Benfica’s president, Rui Costa, expressed that the club needed a “winner” to guide them through their challenges, acknowledging the disappointing performances that led to Lage’s departure.
A Return to Benfica: 25 Years After His Career Began
If Mourinho were to join Benfica, it would mark a remarkable return to the Portuguese club where his managerial career began 25 years ago. He briefly managed Benfica in 2000, before moving on to Uniao de Leiria and achieving great success at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.
A Potential Collision Course with Chelsea
Should a deal be finalized, Mourinho’s first fixture as Benfica manager could be as soon as this weekend, with his team set to face Vila das Aves. Even more thrilling, however, is the prospect of Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30. A reunion with Chelsea could be an intriguing narrative in what promises to be an exciting managerial chapter for Mourinho.
