🔗 Share this article

A full two and a half decades after Jose Mourinho previously led the Eagles. In that time, he rose to the pinnacle of the sport, earning major trophies along the way.

An illustrious two-and-a-half-decade tenure has seen the self-titled 'Exceptional One' win two European Cups, a Conference League, numerous domestic championships, and various other accolades across a dozen teams.

He is still greatly admired in Portugal, especially among followers who cherish his memorable continental triumphs with Porto, his treble-winning season with Inter, and periods at powerhouses like Real Madrid.

Even though his most recent domestic championship coming a decade ago, there is tremendous excitement surrounding the 62-year-old's comeback.

Near the Benfica’s stadium, journalistic buzz and fan excitement peaked as reports of the manager’s appointment emerged.

"We are missing legendary figures in the league," noted a journalist. "His legacy is awesome, mainly due to what he did at FC Porto."

Yet some believe a perception that this decision is a risk—for the club and Mourinho—particularly with a leadership vote scheduled for next month.

"Mourinho remains a cherished figure in Portugal, one that almost transcends club rivalries," added a football expert. "But peak Mourinho is a thing of the past, and fans are mindful of his recent confrontational methods."

A Second Chance?

The then-president, who succeeded the previous president just after Mourinho’s appointment, eventually said he regretted not extending Mourinho’s deal when the fiery coach threatened quit.

Mourinho believed the new president wanted a new coach, and true to his word, he stepped down in late 2000, after winning six of his eleven games in charge.

"His impact was such a big impression," noted a Benfica supporter. "The team at the time was in disarray. Under him playing so much better, and even then the charismatic figure we remember from Real Madrid."

The club was enduring an 11-year drought without a league championship, which ended only after he departed Porto for Chelsea in 2004.

"Of course, we often speculate what might have happened if Mourinho had remained at Benfica," added the analyst. "Perhaps Mourinho can alter that now—a quarter century later."

A 'Hail Mary' in a Political Storm?

Current club chief the former star, who sacked the previous manager after a Champions League defeat, declared that a "Benfica coach must be a champion."

His last trophy was the Europa Conference League with AS Roma in 2022, and his most recent league title was with the Blues in 2015.

Mourinho did achieve a 71.1% win rate in the domestic competition with his last club, topped only by his records at FC Porto and Real Madrid.

"Benfica requires a different manager, a commanding presence on the touchline," stated an observer. "Most of supporters think he is a good pick."

"But the challenge is the timing. It is a risky scenario. It’s unclear what the future holds."

Rui Costa has insisted that hiring Mourinho is a sporting move, not a election-focused tactic.

"I have not put my agenda ahead of the club’s," he said. "And I’m not start now."

According to a recent poll, Costa now ranks second among six candidates, with some indicating the race is unpredictable.

"The other candidates are claiming that this is not OK," noted a source. "If a new president is elected, it could create a challenging situation for both."

Beyond the electoral aspect, there is immense interest in his return.

"If you told any Benfica fan five or 10 years ago that Mourinho would return, they would have been overjoyed," admitted a longtime supporter.

"Certainly, he is the greatest Portuguese coach of all time, and once been one of the top in the world. However, that was the previous era. People have questions if he still is the exceptional Mourinho he once was."

"The media are excited that he is coming back. We’ll see plenty of focus on whether he can once again make a statement in the league."

"Benfica has very good squad members. If Mourinho fails to secure the championship, it would be considered a letdown."