Jose Mourinho is set to make a return to Benfica as the club’s new head coach, setting up a high-profile clash with Chelsea on September 30. The Portuguese giants are in search of a successor to Bruno Lage, who was recently dismissed.
According to talkSPORT, Mourinho has agreed to terms with Benfica, marking a homecoming to the club where he began his senior managerial career in 2000. This appointment comes just 19 days after his departure from Fenerbahce.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed that a new manager would be in place for the team’s upcoming Saturday match, and all signs point to Mourinho’s return. This will be his first managerial role in Portugal since leaving Porto in 2004.
One of Mourinho’s early fixtures will be a Champions League clash against his former club Chelsea, where he is remembered as one of the club’s most successful managers.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, he won three Premier League titles (2004/05, 2005/06, 2014/15), three League Cups (2004/05, 2006/07, 2014/15), an FA Cup (2006/07), and a Community Shield (2005).
Interestingly, Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce after a loss to Bruno Lage’s Benfica in an August qualifier. Fenerbahce president Ali Koc cited concerns over playing style as the reason behind his dismissal.
Mourinho’s potential return to Benfica also coincides with the 25th anniversary of his first appointment at the club. If confirmed, he will inherit a squad bolstered by nearly £100 million in summer signings, amid ongoing presidential elections at the club.
