In a seismic shock to European football, Benfica have terminated the contract of legendary manager José Mourinho after a mere three months at the helm, reinstating former boss Bruno Lage in a dramatic U-turn.
The club's abrupt decision, confirmed on Wednesday, brings a swift and brutal end to Mourinho's highly anticipated homecoming. The 62-year-old 'Special One' was parachuted in during pre-season to replace the departing Roger Schmidt, tasked with restoring the Lisbon club to its former glory.
A Short-Lived Reign in Lisbon
Mourinho's second stint at the Estádio da Luz proved astonishingly brief. Despite a promising start, a string of disappointing pre-season results and a perceived misalignment with the club's long-term vision reportedly triggered the board's drastic action. His final match was a 2-1 friendly defeat against rivals FC Porto.
Club president Rui Costa is said to have made the final call after emergency talks, deciding a swift separation was preferable to a potentially turbulent campaign.
The Prodigal Son Returns: Bruno Lage Back at the Helm
In a move that has stunned fans and pundits alike, Benfica have immediately turned to a familiar face to steady the ship: Bruno Lage. The 48-year-old Portuguese manager, who previously led the Eagles to a league title in 2019, has signed a contract until 2027.
Lage, who has been without a club since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022, now faces the immense task of uniting a startled squad and preparing them for the new Primeira Liga season with immediate effect.
Fan Reaction and Fallout
The news has sent shockwaves through the Benfica fanbase, creating a deep division among supporters. While some questioned Mourinho's fit for the club's philosophy, others are furious at the board's handling of a global icon, branding the decision "shambolic" and "an embarrassment."
All eyes will now be on Bruno Lage as he prepares to write an unexpected second chapter in his Benfica story, under the most dramatic of circumstances.
