Jose Mourinho set to become new Benfica manager with Chelsea, Real Madrid reunions on horizon in UEFA Champions League – reports
Published 17/09/2025 at 09:33 GMT+1
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Jose Mourinho is set to be appointed as Benfica's new head coach, replacing Bruno Lage, who was sacked following a 3-2 loss to Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League. It will be Mourinho's first job in Portugal since he left Porto to join Chelsea in 2004. He will soon come up against former side Chelsea as Benfica travel to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League league phase.
Highlights: Qarabag come from behind to rock Benfica
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jose Mourinho looks set for a swift return to management, as he is reportedly taking charge at Benfica.
According to widespread reports, former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid boss Mourinho is in advanced talks with Benfica to replace Bruno Lage, who was dismissed after the Portuguese side blew a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Qarabag in their UEFA Champions League opener.
Mourinho has been out of work for just a few weeks following his sacking by Fenerbahce in late August.
The 62-year-old started his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but oversaw just nine league games before leaving for Uniao de Leiria and then Porto.
His return to Benfica would be his first job in Portugal since he left Porto to join Chelsea in 2004 after winning the Champions League.
He is on course for a Stamford Bridge reunion this month as Benfica face Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Benfica also face another of Mourinho’s former sides, Real Madrid, in the league phase, as well as a trip to Newcastle United.
Club president Rui Costa would not be drawn on names of a potential replacement following Lage's sacking, but said Benfica hope to have made an appointment by the weekend.
"Benfica coach's profile must be that of a winner," Costa said. "A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire.
"There's no point in talking about names here. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future."
It was a defeat to Benfica that spelled the end for Mourinho at Fenerbahce.
Mourinho joined the Turkish Super Lig side in 2024 and guided them to a second-place finish last season.
That qualified them for this season’s Champions League, but a loss to Benfica in the play-off round led them to look for a change of manager.
Benfica are sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto, but with a game in hand.
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