Chelsea could soon come face-to-face with a familiar figure in the Champions League, as reports suggest Jose Mourinho is closing in on becoming the new Benfica manager.
Mourinho, who was dismissed by Fenerbahce last month after just over a year in charge, is reportedly on the verge of returning to management in his homeland. His time in Turkey ended after Fenerbahce finished second to Galatasaray in the league and suffered Champions League play-off elimination — ironically at the hands of Benfica.
Now, in a remarkable twist, Mourinho could soon be in the Benfica dugout, with the Portuguese side set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League group stage on September 30.
CNN Portugal: Preliminary Agreement Reached
According to CNN Portugal, Benfica have reached a preliminary agreement with Mourinho to replace Bruno Lage, who was sacked following a shock 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag. Club president Rui Costa has confirmed that a new coach will be in place for this weekend’s clash with Vila das Aves.
“Regarding the next coach, we expect to have the new one on the bench at Vila das Aves next Saturday,” Rui Costa said.
Mourinho’s History With Benfica — and Chelsea
Mourinho’s managerial career began at Benfica in 2000, where he won six of his first 11 matches before leaving after a disagreement with the club’s president. He went on to achieve glory with Porto, winning both the UEFA Cup and the Champions League, before his first legendary spell at Chelsea.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho guided the Blues to back-to-back Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups before departing in 2007. He returned in 2013 for a second spell, winning another Premier League title and League Cup before parting ways again in December 2015.
If his appointment is confirmed, the Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge later this month could mark Mourinho’s first appearance as an opposition manager at Chelsea’s home ground since a goalless draw with Tottenham in 2020.
Benfica Turn to Experience
Benfica currently sit sixth in the Portuguese league, with three wins and a draw from their opening four matches. But their shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag proved to be the final straw for Lage.
The club had been linked with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, but Mourinho’s availability appears to have accelerated negotiations.
Interestingly, Mourinho previously praised Benfica’s squad following Fenerbahce’s elimination against them earlier this season.
“It is a club that knows this type of game,” Mourinho said at the time. “We had chances, but then we were reduced to 10 men and the game was over. The better team went through.”
Chelsea Focused on Bayern Munich
While the news of Mourinho’s possible return has sparked excitement among Chelsea fans, the Blues’ immediate focus remains on their Champions League opener against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena this Wednesday.
Nevertheless, the potential of Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge later this month adds an extra layer of intrigue to Chelsea’s European campaign.
