José Mourinho has confirmed he is in talks with Benfica over becoming their next manager, expressing strong interest in taking charge at the Estádio da Luz. The 62-year-old, who left Fenerbahce last month, spoke to reporters upon arriving in Portugal on Wednesday.
Benfica are seeking a new head coach after sacking Bruno Lage following Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Qarabag, in which they surrendered a 2-0 lead at home. Mourinho, who had a brief spell as Benfica manager in 2000, said the club had asked if he would be interested. 'I said yes,' he stated. 'When asked if I wanted to coach Benfica, I did not think twice. It interests me.'
Mourinho's departure from Fenerbahce came after the Turkish club failed to qualify for the Champions League league phase. Should he take the Benfica job, he could face a swift return to Chelsea on 30 September, a club he managed twice with considerable success.
The former Manchester United and Tottenham boss has not managed in Portugal since guiding Porto to Champions League glory in 2004. He won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups across his two spells at Chelsea, and led Inter Milan to a historic treble in 2010.
However, Mourinho's more recent roles have been less fruitful. After winning La Liga with Real Madrid in 2012, he had underwhelming stints at United and Spurs, although he secured a League Cup and Europa League with United. He also won the Conference League with Roma in 2022, but his time at Fenerbahce ended unhappily.
