José Mourinho is reportedly keen in taking over as the new manager of Benfica, after the exit of Bruno Lage.
Context of the Situation
Lage was dismissed after Benfica experienced a surprising 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League.
Team chairman Rui Costa mentioned that the club aims to name a replacement manager by the weekend, though he refused to speculate on individual candidates.
Sources indicate that the Portuguese manager is willing to a comeback to Portuguese football, more than two decades after he departed for Chelsea FC.
Mourinho's Past with Benfica
José Mourinho started his coaching journey with SL Benfica in the year 2000, though his stay was brief, lasting only ten matches.
He subsequently gained fame with Porto, leading them to six trophies, such as the UEFA Champions League in 2004.
Since then, he has managed elite clubs across the continent, such as Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, AS Roma, and Fenerbahce.
Possible Challenges and Matches
Should hired, Mourinho would confront his former team Chelsea FC in the UCL on 30 September.
The team is also set to play Newcastle United and Real Madrid in the league stage.
Currently, the club sits 6th in the Primeira Liga, 5 points behind table-toppers FC Porto.
Political Background
This move to replace Lage aligns with forthcoming presidential elections on October 25.
João Noronha Lopes, the favorite, has allegedly expressed preference in Ruben Amorim of Man United.
Costa emphasized that the decision was taken exclusively for sporting purposes and not for political benefits.
"I am not here to protect any roles," Costa said. "My aim is to ensure the best outcome for the club."