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Jose Mourinho is weighing up the possibility of taking charge at Benfica following the dismissal of Bruno Lage, who was sacked after Tuesday’s 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League.
Lage’s side surrendered a two-goal advantage against the Azerbaijani champions at Estadio da Luz, prompting swift action from the club hierarchy.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed they aim to appoint a new head coach by Saturday but refused to confirm whether Mourinho is the frontrunner.
“Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a winner,” Costa said. “A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire. There’s no point in talking about names here. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future.”
Reports suggest Mourinho is open to a return to Portuguese football, more than two decades after he first left to join Chelsea. The 61-year-old was dismissed by Fenerbahce on 29 August, 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 just 10 matches before resigning amid a dispute with then-president Joao Vale e Azevedo.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight! ❤️🤍
Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately.
The agreement could be sealed soon. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/RL8eZmn5BY
