Mourinho returns to his origins at Benfica
José Mourinho has returned to manage Benfica, a Portuguese football club, after a gap of 25 years. The Special One, as he is famously known, has taken the helm following the dismissal of Bruno Lage, who was sacked after a surprising 3-2 home loss against Qarabag in the Champions League group stage opener.
Mourinho's contract with Benfica is until the end of the 2026-27 season, a testament to the club's faith in the experienced manager. His previous management role was with Fenerbahce in Turkey, where he left by mutual consent two days after the Champions League playoffs match against Benfica.
Mourinho's return to Benfica will see him face ghosts from his past in the Champions League group stage. On September 30, Benfica will visit Chelsea, a team Mourinho managed from 2013 to 2015. In January, Benfica will welcome Real Madrid, a club against whom Mourinho lost in the Champions League playoffs during his time with Fenerbahce.
The Benfica President, Rui Costa, described Mourinho as one of the most respected managers in the world. Mourinho himself expressed his commitment to Benfica, stating, "I will live for Benfica, live for my mission." He further added, "I am not important, but Benfica and its fans are important."
Mourinho's goal is to win competitions and fulfill his two-year contract successfully. Having previously won the Champions League with Porto in 2003-04 and Inter Milan in 2009-10, Mourinho is no stranger to triumph in Europe's premier club competition.
Both Benfica and Mourinho's contract reserve the right to be canceled up to 10 days after this season's last game. With the Champions League group stage matches against Chelsea and Real Madrid on the horizon, it promises to be an exciting season for Mourinho and Benfica.
