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Full circle! Mourinho replaces coach who got him sacked after Benfica defeat

Full circle! Mourinho replaces coach who got him sacked after Benfica defeat

Jose Mourinho has been named Benfica coach in a dramatic twist, replacing the very manager who handed him a painful Fenerbahce sacking after a European defeat.

In a dramatic twist, Jose Mourinho has been appointed as the new coach of Portuguese giants Benfica, replacing Bruno Lage, the very manager whose tenure led to Mourinho’s painful sacking at Fenerbahce following a disappointing European defeat.

Benfica confirmed the high-profile appointment with a warm welcome on social media, posting simply: “Welcome, míster José Mourinho!”

The move marks a remarkable turnaround for Mourinho, who returns to take the reins at one of Portugal’s biggest clubs just weeks after his dramatic exit from Fenerbahce.

Lage’s dismissal by Benfica came amid a challenging run that included a humiliating Champions League loss, which ultimately opened the door for Mourinho’s return to management.

As reported by Pulse Sports, Mourinho emerged as the number one target to take reigns at the club following a humiliating 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag in their Champions League opener on Tuesday. Benfica had initially taken a two-goal lead before the shocking collapse.

Mourinho’s recent departure from Fenerbahce came after a similarly disappointing Champions League run against the same club he is now set to lead.

The Turkish Super Lig side failed to qualify for the group stage of Europe’s premier competition, against Lage’s Benfica, which ultimately led to Mourinho’s dismissal.

The Portuguese legend now faces the task of revitalising Benfica’s fortunes in both domestic and European competitions.

This appointment signals a fresh chapter in Mourinho’s career and offers Benfica renewed hope as they seek to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite under the guidance of the “Special One.”