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Benfica confirmed on Thursday that they are negotiating to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new head coach, a day after the Portuguese manager expressed interest in the job.
The 62-year-old Mourinho, who was recently dismissed by Fenerbahce following the Turkish side's Champions League play-off exit against Benfica, landed in Lisbon on Wednesday. He admitted to reporters that he welcomed the opportunity to return to the club where he briefly started his head coaching career in 2000.
Benfica’s interest arose after they sacked Bruno Lage, following a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Azerbaijan’s Qarabag, despite leading 2-0 earlier in the match. The club stated that negotiations are ongoing and hopes to conclude them soon.
Mourinho’s coaching career began as an assistant under Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at Barcelona. He briefly managed Benfica in 2000 before leaving after 11 matches. He later achieved major success with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, and most recently Fenerbahce.
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce on June 2, 2024, amid high expectations. In his first season, he guided the club to 84 points in the Super Lig, finishing second, with a record of 35 wins, 12 draws, and 15 losses across 62 matches.
His departure came after Fenerbahce’s Champions League play-off loss to Benfica. Club president Ali Koc stated: “Losing to Benfica is not the problem, but the manner of the defeat is unacceptable.” Domenico Tedesco replaced Mourinho as head coach.
After leaving Türkiye, Mourinho made a brief statement confirming the end of his Fenerbahce chapter and flew to Lisbon to start discussions with Benfica, reaching a preliminary agreement with the club.
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