𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Benfica have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new Head Coach on a two-year contract

Benfica has officially announced the appointment of Jose Mourinho as their new manager, entrusting him with a contract that will run until the summer of 2027. This significant move reflects the club’s ambition and their desire to quickly regain competitive strength, especially in both the domestic league and European competitions.

Mourinho, who is now 62 years old, takes over from Bruno Lage, who was dismissed in the aftermath of a shocking defeat in the Champions League against Qarabag. The sacking of Lage came as a surprise to many, particularly since he had only overseen a single loss across all competitions this season. This decision illustrates the immense pressure and high expectations that come with managing a prestigious club like Benfica, where the pursuit of trophies is relentless.

Returning to management less than a month after being released by Fenerbahce, Mourinho finds himself in an intriguing situation. His stint with the Turkish club ended after a disappointing Champions League playoff campaign, where he faced the very team that he will now guide—a fact that adds an interesting layer to his transition. Having started his managerial career at Benfica in 2000, his prior tenure there was brief, comprising only 10 matches. His departure, prompted by disagreements with the club president, has come full circle, giving him a unique opportunity to redeem himself at the club that once sparked his coaching journey.

The terms of Mourinho’s new contract with Benfica include a clause that allows both the club and the manager to evaluate their situation and potentially part ways at the end of the 2025-26 season, up to 10 days after its conclusion. This level of flexibility demonstrates a mutual understanding between Mourinho and the club regarding future performance expectations.

As he steps into this role, Mourinho inherits a squad currently languishing in sixth place in the Primeira Liga, which is five points behind current leaders Porto, although Benfica does have a game in hand. This situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the seasoned manager, as he seeks to turn around the team’s fortunes and push them back into title contention.

Mourinho’s first challenge will be against AVS, a team sitting in 17th place, during a match scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 BST. This upcoming fixture serves as more than just an initial test; it is a pivotal moment for Mourinho to set the tone for his time at Benfica. Success in this match would not only boost morale within the squad but also instill hope among the club’s passionate fanbase, who are eager for a return to glory.