MOURINHO SET TO REPLACE LAGE AS BENFICA COACH
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
Jose Mourinho is nearing a return to coaching with Benfica, succeeding Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following the Champions League defeat to Qarabag.
The Portuguese team squandered a two-goal advantage, ultimately losing 3-2 to their Azerbaijani rivals at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday.
Benfica president Rui Costa stated they aim to appoint a new manager by Saturday, but refrained from commenting on the speculation that Mourinho is their favored choice.
BBC Sport has been informed that Mourinho is in discussions regarding a return to management in Portugal, 21 years after departing for Chelsea.
Mourinho was relieved of his duties by Fenerbahce on 29 August, just two days after the Turkish side was ousted from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica.
“A Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a victor,” Costa remarked.
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“A coach representing an organization of this magnitude must possess the capability to elevate this team to the standards we expect and deliver the championships we desire.
“There is no merit in discussing names at this stage. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been identified to lead Benfica in the forthcoming period. ”
Mourinho commenced his managerial journey with Benfica in 2000 but only oversaw 10 matches before departing due to a disagreement with the club president.
He then established his reputation with Porto between 2002 and 2004, securing six titles, including the Champions League in 2003-04.
Since leaving his native country in 2004, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahce.
If Benfica were to appoint Mourinho, he would face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on 30 September.
Benfica also visits Newcastle United and hosts Real Madrid later in the league stage of the tournament.
Benfica currently sits sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto, although they have a match in hand.
They finished second in the top division last season, two points behind Sporting, under former Wolves manager Lage.
The decision to part ways with Lage coincides with Benfica’s preparations for their presidential election on 25 October.
Joao Noronha Lopes, the frontrunner for the election, is eyeing Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and was present at Etihad Stadium on Sunday to scout Portuguese talent.
Costa asserted that the choice to implement a managerial change is not driven by his ambitions for re-election.
“I’m not here to salvage any positions,” Costa stated.
“I haven’t even engaged in any campaigning yet, as my objective, as president of Benfica, is to secure the best future for Benfica, irrespective of the electoral outcome.
“And this decision is solely and exclusively related to Benfica’s competitive season, in order to prevent jeopardizing Benfica’s sporting campaign. I have never prioritized my interests over those of Benfica, and I will not do so now.”
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