Former Manchester and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is on verge of joining Portuguese top side Benfica. According to reports, the manager who left Fenerbahcefew weeks ago will be appointed Benfica manager after arriving in Lisbon for talks with the Portuguese club.
Jose Mourinho is set to replace Bruno Lage, who was sacked following Tuesday’s Champions League home defeat against Qarabag. The 62-year-old has only been out of work for less than a month after being dismissed by Fenerbahce.
Speaking about the move, he said: “Benfica officially asked me if I was interested. What coach says no to Benfica? Not me.” “When I was presented with the opportunity to coach Benfica, I didn’t hesitate to say that I’m interested, that I’d like to.”
Mourinho began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but took charge of only 10 games and left after a dispute with the club president. He then made his name with Porto between 2002 and 2004, winning six trophies – including the Champions League in 2003-04.
Since leaving his homeland in 2004, he has managed Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahce.
He left the Turkish club on 29 August, two days after they were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica. Should Benfica appoint Mourinho, he would face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on 30 September.
Benfica also travel to Newcastle United and host Real Madrid later in the league phase of the competition.
