Jose Mourinho to Benfica
Portuguese club Benfica are set to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager. This follows the sacking of Bruno Lage after a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag.
Lage Departs After Champions League Loss
Benfica confirmed Lage’s departure on Wednesday. Club president Rui Costa said the change was necessary. He added that the new manager should be on the bench for Saturday’s league game against AVS Futebol SAD.
Mourinho Returns to Benfica
Mourinho left Turkish club Fenerbahce in August. He began his managerial career at Benfica. Since then, he has won league titles with Chelsea, the Champions League with Inter Milan, and trophies with Real Madrid, AS Roma, and Manchester United.
Returning to Benfica brings his career full circle. He is expected to guide the team back to the top of Portuguese football. Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga in the last two seasons. Currently, the club sits sixth with 10 points from four matches.
Champions League Challenges Ahead
If appointed, Mourinho will face two former clubs in the Champions League. Benfica will play Chelsea on September 30. They will meet Real Madrid in January.
Mourinho’s experience is expected to strengthen Benfica. Also, the club aims to regain domestic dominance and compete strongly in Europe.
Key Facts
- Club: Benfica
- New Manager: Jose Mourinho (reportedly)
- Previous Manager: Bruno Lage
- Primeira Liga Position: 6th after four matches
- Upcoming Matches: AVS Futebol SAD, Chelsea (Champions League), Real Madrid (Champions League)
