Jose Mourinho has confirmed his interest in taking over as Benfica’s new head coach, less than 48 hours after the dismissal of Bruno Lage.
The former Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid boss was relieved of his duties at Turkish side Fenerbahce earlier this month and is now close to sealing a deal with Benfica. Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that Mourinho arrived at Lisbon’s Tires Aerodrome Airport on Wednesday to finalise negotiations.
“Before boarding the plane, they asked me if I might be interested in coaching Benfica,” Mourinho told reporters. “And I said yes, I might be interested. Benfica officially asked me if I might be interested. I said I was abroad and that when I returned to Portugal, I’d be happy to speak with people. When I was faced with the possibility of coaching Benfica, I didn’t think twice: I’m interested.”
Mourinho also showed empathy towards Lage, who was sacked after a shock 3-2 defeat to Qarabag FK in the UEFA Europa League. “He needs to do what we all do — grieve. I don’t think there’s a coach who doesn’t leave frustrated and thinking things could have turned out differently,” he said.
If confirmed, Mourinho’s return would mark his second stint at Benfica, having briefly managed the club in 2000 before his rise to global fame.
