José Mourinho is back on the bench – and succeeds the man who was responsible for his departure from Fenerbahce less than three weeks ago at Benfica Lisbon.
Qarabag Agdam caused a minor tsunami with its first ever victory in the Champions League. Immediately after the Azerbaijani champions’ 3-2 coup at Benfica Lisbon on Tuesday evening, the opponents parted ways with their coach Bruno Lage. And just two days later, none other than José Mourinho took over from his Portuguese compatriot, which had already become apparent during the night. “The Special One” has been given a contract until 2027, with both sides having the option to terminate the collaboration early ten days after the last competitive game of the current season, according to the club.
The change of coach is a special constellation in two respects. Mourinho began his career as head coach at Benfica 25 years ago as the successor to Jupp Heynckes, but resigned after less than three months following disagreements with the new president, Manuel Vilarinho.
What’s more, Mourinho is replacing Bruno Lage, the coach who cost him his previous job. Just three weeks ago, “Mou” had to leave Fenerbahce Istanbul after only one year because he had just failed to qualify for the Champions League at Benfica – the second leg took place at his new club (0-0/0-1).
Now he takes over from Bruno Lage for the remainder of the league season in the premier class.
Mourinho kicks off in the Champions League at Chelsea
And it’s going to be tough right from the start for the 62-year-old returnee. On September 30, Benfica will face Chelsea FC, with whom Mourinho won three championships in two spells. In addition, after games at Newcastle United, against Bayer Leverkusen, at Ajax Amsterdam, against SSC Napoli, and at Juventus Turin, the final game on January 28 will be against Real Madrid, another of Mourinho’s former clubs (2010 to 2013).
He will make his debut this Saturday (7 p.m.) against AVS Futebol SAD, who are still without a win and second from bottom in the table. Benfica are fourth with three wins and one draw, having played one game less than their rivals. The only club to have made a perfect start is FC Porto (five games, five wins). Mourinho has also won titles with them. The two sides will meet again in the league on October 5.
