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Jose Mourinho is able to take over Benfica after the dismissal of Bruno Lage, who was sacked after the house defeat on Tuesday 3-2 against Qarabag in the Champions League.
Lage’s side surrendered a two -goal lead against the champions of Azerbaijani at Estadio da Luz, causing a quick action of the club’s hierarchy.
Benfica President Rui Costa confirmed that he had the goal of appointing a new main coach on Saturday, but refused to confirm if Mourinho is the leader.
“Benfica’s coach’s profile must be that of a winner,” Costa said. “A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the possibility of bringing this team to the levels we demand and to give us the titles we want. There is no point
Reports suggest that Mourinho is open to a return to Portuguese football, more than two decades after he left to join -in Chelsea. The 61-year-old was fired by Fenerbahce on August 29, shortly after Benfica eliminated the Turkish side in the Champions League play-offs.
Mourinho’s connection with Benfica goes back to 2000, when he managed the club for only ten games before resigning in the middle of a dispute with the then President Joao Vale e Azevedo.
He later established his reputation with Porto, gaining six trophies, including the Champions League in 2004, before starting a high -level career in Europe with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Rome and more recently Fenerbahce.
If he returned, Mourinho could face one of his former clubs almost immediately, with Benfica who will play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 30. Its group stage also includes trips to Newcastle United and a home draw against Real Madrid.
Domently, Benfica stands in the sixth place in the Primeira League, five points behind the leaders I carry with a game in my hand. They finished second last season under Lage, just two points behind Champions Sporting.
The decision to separate -Leage comes at a politically charged moment for the club, with the presidential elections scheduled for October 25.
Candidate Joao Noronha Lopes, widely considered to be the favorite, is believed to be interested in eliminating Ruben Amorim away from Manchester United, after being seen in Etihad Sunday.
Costa, however, denied that the management change was related to the next election. “I’m not here to save any position,” he said.
“I have not yet been campaigning yet, because my goal, as President of Benfica, is to ensure the best future for Benfica, regardless of what happens in the election.
“And this decision making must do so solely and exclusively with the Benfica sports season and to avoid endangering Benfica’s sports season. I have never put my interests ahead of Benfica and I will not now.”
