Jose Mourinho has agreed a deal to become Benfica’s new head coach, according to News.Az citing talkSPORT, just 19 days after being dismissed by Fenerbahce. Benfica sacked Bruno Lage on Tuesday night following a Champions League defeat to Qarabag.
Club president Rui Costa said, “Regarding the new coach, we expect that by Saturday, in Vila das Aves, he will already be on the bench.” The appointment marks a dramatic homecoming for Mourinho, who first managed Benfica in 2000 but resigned after only nine league matches.
The move comes with an ironic twist: Mourinho’s Fenerbahce exit followed a Champions League qualifier loss to Lage’s Benfica in August. Fenerbahce president Ali Koc explained the decision was driven by concerns over Mourinho’s playing style after just over a year in charge.
Mourinho, a three-time Premier League winner, could face former club Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30, one of his first tests back in Lisbon.
