Mourinho Announced as New of Benfica
Benfica have officially named the experienced coach as their new boss on a deal until the summer of 2027
The seasoned tactician, 62 years old, takes over from the previous manager, who was sacked after the unexpected UEFA Champions League defeat to Qarabag on Tuesday
Mourinho comes back to management within 30 days after being dismissed from Fenerbahce in the wake of a Champions League play-offs loss against his present employers Benfica
The coach began his managerial career with Benfica back in 2000 but oversaw a mere ten fixtures and departed following a dispute with the president
His new deal for Benfica contains an possibility for Mourinho and the team to opt not to continue for another season up to 10 days after the completion of the 2025-26 season
The former boss was removed even though losing a single loss throughout all tournaments this season and the new manager is handed a squad that sit sixth in the Liga Portugal, trailing by five points from leaders Porto, but with a game in hand
The opening fixture with the Lisbon-based club is this weekend at evening kick-off when they visit 17th-placed AVS
Managerial Journey
The manager rose to prominence during a stint at Porto from 2002 and 2004 when he claimed multiple honors, including the European Cup in the 2003-04 season
After departing his native country in 2004, the coach has been in charge of Chelsea FC, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahce
After sacking Lage on Tuesday, the chairman Rui Costa said the incoming coach must have the "winning mentality"
Mourinho undoubtedly meets that requirement, boasting 21 significant titles, his latest success secured in the Conference League with Roma in 2022
The Portuguese, who infamously coined the title 'The Special One' years ago, is set to go back to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea in the European competition on September 30
Upcoming Challenges
They also play away at Newcastle and face at home another of his former teams Real Madrid in the league phase of the competition
The club placed second in the Portuguese top flight 2023-24 and their latest title came in the title in 2022-23
The manager experienced a rocky time during his stay in Turkey and was repeatedly at odds with the level of officiating
Last fall, Mourinho criticized Fenerbahce for just informing him "incomplete facts" concerning the quality of refereeing and said referee Atilla Karaoglan was "the standout performer" after his side netted a late goal to defeat Trabzonspor
The manager filed a lawsuit against opponents Galatasaray in February when they accused him of making offensive comments
