Following Benfica’s 3-2 loss to Qarabag and the sacking of Bruno Lage, Jose Mourinho is reportedly being considered as the club’s next manager.
What Led to the Managerial Change?
- Benfica threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Qarabag in the Champions League, prompting the dismissal of Bruno Lage.
- Club president Rui Costa emphasized the need for a “winner” to lead Benfica and bring titles but did not confirm Mourinho as the preferred candidate.
- Benfica aims to appoint a new manager by Saturday.
What Is Mourinho’s Connection to Benfica?
- Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000 but left after only 10 games due to a dispute with the club president.
- He later achieved major success with Porto, winning six trophies including the 2003-04 Champions League.
- Mourinho was recently sacked by Fenerbahce and is reportedly open to returning to Portugal after 21 years.
What Challenges Would Mourinho Face?
- If appointed, Mourinho would face his former club Chelsea in the Champions League on 30 September.
- Benfica also have upcoming matches against Newcastle United and Real Madrid in the competition.
- Currently, Benfica sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto but with a game in hand.
What Is the Context Around Benfica’s Leadership?
- The managerial change coincides with Benfica’s presidential election on 25 October.
- Rui Costa insists the decision is based solely on sporting reasons, not election politics.
- The election favorite, Joao Noronha Lopes, is reportedly interested in Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim as a potential future manager.
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