Benfica are reportedly considering Jose Mourinho as a potential replacement for Bruno Lage, who was sacked following Tuesday's 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag.
Idman.biz, citing BBC, reports that the Portuguese giants threw away a two-goal lead at Estadio da Luz, prompting club president Rui Costa to promise a new manager by Saturday. While Costa declined to confirm Mourinho as the favorite, BBC Sport reports the former Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid manager is open to returning to Portugal, 21 years after his brief 10-game stint at Benfica in 2000. Mourinho, who was sacked by Fenerbahce on 29 August, could face Chelsea in the Champions League on 30 September if appointed.
Benfica currently sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto, but have a game in hand. Costa emphasized that the managerial change is focused solely on the club’s sporting performance and not influenced by the upcoming presidential election on 25 October. Mourinho’s return could add experience and stability to Benfica’s squad as they prepare for a challenging Champions League group stage.
Idman.biz
