Jose Mourinho is in discussions to return as head coach of Benfica, 25 years after his short spell at the club.
The 62-year-old was sacked by Fenerbahce last month after just over a year in charge but could now make a quick comeback in Portugal. Mourinho briefly managed Benfica between September and December 2000 before leaving after a change in the club’s leadership.
Benfica are looking for a new manager after Bruno Lage was dismissed on Tuesday following a 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag of Azerbaijan in the Champions League. The Portuguese giants had been two goals ahead before collapsing to their first loss of the season.
Club president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s exit, saying: “I believe this is the time for a change, precisely to avoid compromising the season. The coach who comes in must be a winning coach, someone who can take us to the levels we demand and deliver the titles we desire.”
Mourinho, who has won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, as well as two Champions League trophies, is one of the leading candidates. Talks are still ongoing and no deal has been finalised.
If he returns to Benfica, Mourinho could face Chelsea — the club where he won three Premier League titles — later this month when Benfica visit Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.
Mourinho’s long career has included successful spells at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. He also managed Manchester United, Tottenham, and Roma, winning the Europa League with United in 2017 and the Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022.
Now, after being knocked out of the Champions League by Benfica with Fenerbahce in August, Mourinho could soon be back in Europe’s top competition — this time on the Portuguese club’s bench.