Jose Mourinho has been strongly connected with a return to Portuguese giants Benfica, just weeks after leaving Fenerbahce. #MukTv
The Lisbon club sacked Bruno Lage on Tuesday night following a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag, despite holding a two-goal lead at Estadio da Luz.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed the club intends to appoint a new manager before Saturday, though he refused to name candidates.
“A Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a winner,” Costa said. “A coach representing a club of this size must have the ability to take this team to the levels we demand and deliver the titles we desire.”
BBC Sport reports that Mourinho is in talks over a return to Portugal, 21 years after he first left Benfica to join Chelsea. The 61-year-old began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000, though he only lasted 10 games before departing after a dispute with the former club president.
Since then, Mourinho has built a glittering career, winning league titles in four different countries and the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan.
He has also managed Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, and recently Fenerbahce, where he was sacked in August after a Champions League play-off defeat to none other than Benfica.
If appointed, Mourinho would quickly face a high-profile return to England when Benfica play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 30 September in the Champions League. The club also have upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United and Real Madrid in the league phase.
Benfica currently sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points off leaders Porto but with a game in hand. The decision to sack Lage also comes amid preparations for Benfica’s presidential election on 25 October, adding extra weight to the managerial appointment.
