By Ion Axinescu
Copyright euroweeklynews
At 62, Jose Mourinho might just be coming full circle.
Twenty-five years after first stepping into Benfica’s dugout, the man who styled himself as The Special One is on the brink of a sensational return.
Benfica’s 2-3 collapse at home to Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday evening was the final straw for Bruno Lage, who was sacked immediately after the defeat. Rui Costa, Benfica’s president, said that the club needs a “winner” on the touchline, and fast. A new coach must be in place before Saturday.
And here’s entering Mou.
Mourinho, back where everything began
Back in 2000, Mourinho’s managerial career began at Benfica, though it lasted just ten games before a dispute with the board ended it. From there, he stormed through Porto, winning the Champions League in 2004, and then built his legend at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and most recently Fenerbahce.
That last stint, in Turkey, ended badly. Benfica themselves knocked Fenerbahce out of the Champions League play-offs in August, and Mourinho was sacked just days later. Yet, ironically, that same defeat might open the door to his homecoming.
A strong statement from Benfica
The timing is critical. Benfica are sixth in the Primeira Liga, already five points off leaders Porto, and presidential elections loom in late October. Joao Noronha Lopes, tipped to unseat Rui Costa, has openly courted Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim. But Costa insists the managerial change isn’t about politics, only football: “This is about Benfica’s season, not re-elections,” he said.
Still, appointing Mourinho would be a political and sporting statement. The club needs someone who can steady the ship domestically and deliver in Europe. And imagine the headlines: Mourinho taking Benfica to Stamford Bridge on 30 September to face Chelsea in the Champions League.
The Special One, still special?
Critics argue Jose Mourinho’s career has been sliding, with short, rocky stints having become the norm. But his name still carries a lot of weight, and Benfica’s fanbase would hardly complain about welcoming a legend of Portuguese football back to Estadio da Luz.
For Mourinho, the narrative writes itself: redemption, legacy, the one last chance to prove he’s still got it, right where it all began. The countdown has begun. By Saturday, we’ll know if Benfica’s past really is about to become its future.
Read here more sports news.
