Benfica appoint Jose Mourinho as manager on two-year deal; returns to Portugal after 21 years

Jose Mourinho, the seasoned football manager, has returned to Portuguese football after 21 years, taking the helm at Benfica until 2027. Following his departure from Fenerbahce and Benfica's Champions League exit, Mourinho aims to revitalize the team. He emphasizes a more selfless approach, prioritizing Benfica's success. His immediate challenges include facing former clubs Chelsea and Porto.

Jose Mourinho attends a press conference in Lisbon, announcing his return to coaching in Portugal with Benfica on a two-year contract. (AP)

Jose Mourinho, the 62-year-old former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager, has been appointed as Benfica's new head coach until 2027, marking his return to Portuguese football after 21 years. The appointment comes after his dismissal from Turkish side Fenerbahce in August and follows Benfica's decision to sack Bruno Lage after their Champions League defeat to Qarabag. Benfica announced that Mourinho's contract will run until the end of the 2026/27 season, with both parties having the option to terminate the agreement at the conclusion of the current campaign. The Portuguese coach will face immediate challenges with upcoming matches against his former clubs Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30 and Porto in the Primeira Liga on October 5. "I come to Benfica at a different stage in my career, and as a person... we transform for the better," Mourinho said at his presentation alongside Benfica president Rui Costa. "I'm more altruistic, less self-centred, I think less about myself and more about the good I can do for others, the joy I can bring to others. I'm not the important thing -- Benfica is important." Mourinho's coaching journey began as an assistant to Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at Barcelona before taking his first head coaching role at Benfica in September 2000, which lasted only 11 matches. His career flourished after successful stints at Uniao de Leiria and Porto, where he won consecutive league titles and the 2004 Champions League. "In some people's minds, I have two resumes -- one that lasted a certain period and another that represents, let's say, a less happy phase of my career," Mourinho reflected. "My misfortune is that in the last five years, I've played in two European finals. The negative part of my career... is two European finals in the last five years." Mourinho's trophy cabinet includes three Premier League titles with Chelsea, a Champions League victory with Inter Milan in 2010, and a La Liga title with Real Madrid. His recent achievements include winning the Europa League with Manchester United in 2017 and the Conference League with Roma in 2022. "It's been 25 years in which I've had the opportunity to work for the biggest clubs in the world," Mourinho stated. "I'd like to say that none of the other giant clubs I've had the opportunity to coach have made me feel more honoured, responsible, or motivated than being the coach of Benfica. The promise is very clear: I will live for Benfica, for my mission." His first match as Benfica manager will be an away fixture against AVS in the Portuguese top flight. Mourinho expressed confidence in his new team's potential, stating: "Benfica have enough potential within that dressing room to be champions."

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