Mourinho Open to Benfica Return After Lage’s Sacking

 

Benfica are searching for a new head coach after dismissing Bruno Lage in the aftermath of a shocking Champions League loss to Qarabag. Lage’s side surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home, sparking immediate action from club president Rui Costa, who said a replacement will be appointed by Saturday. While Costa refused to confirm names, speculation has quickly turned to José Mourinho, who is understood to be open to a return to Portugal.

Mourinho, recently sacked by Fenerbahce following their elimination by Benfica in the Champions League play-offs, could make a dramatic comeback to the club where his managerial career first began in 2000. Back then, his stint was short-lived, ending after just 10 games due to a dispute with the president. Mourinho later rose to prominence with Porto, winning the Champions League in 2004 before managing elite clubs including Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, and most recently Fenerbahce. His possible appointment would see him face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League later this month.

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Benfica currently sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto but with a game in hand. Last season, they finished second under Lage, narrowly missing the title by two points to Sporting. The decision to part ways with Lage comes at a delicate time, with Benfica preparing for presidential elections on 25 October. Rival candidate Joao Noronha Lopes, who is expected to challenge Rui Costa, has reportedly set his sights on Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim as his preferred choice.

Despite political tensions around the club, Costa insisted the managerial change was based solely on sporting reasons. “The Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a winner,” he said. “This has nothing to do with elections. My duty is to ensure Benfica’s season is not jeopardised.”

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Should Mourinho return, it would mark a full-circle moment for the 61-year-old coach more than two decades after his brief spell at the club. Benfica’s upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Real Madrid in the Champions League could make his appointment both high-stakes and highly symbolic.