Bruno Lage, who was fired after the Champions League defeat against Qarabag, is close to making a comeback with Benfica.
The Portuguese side lost 3-2 to their Azerbaijani foes at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday after a two-goal lead.
Rui Costa, the president of Benfica, stated that they wanted to have a new manager in place by Saturday, but that they would not speculate that Mourinho would be their preferred choice.
21 years after leaving Chelsea, Mourinho is reportedly in talks to return to work there.
Two days after Benfica knocked the Turkish side out of the Champions League play-offs, Mourinho was fired by Fenerbahce on August 29.
According to Costa, “a Benfica coach’s profile must be one of a winner.”
A coach for a club this big must be able to raise the standards for this team and award the titles they want.
Mourinho left after a disagreement with the club president and started his managerial career with Benfica in 2000. He only managed 10 games.
Between 2002 and 2004, he won six awards, including the Champions League in 2003-2004.
Mourinho has held the offices of Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahce since leaving his birthplace in 2004.
Chelsea would face Mourinho in the Champions League on September 30 at Stamford Bridge if Benfica appoints him.
In the following league round, Benfica travels to Newcastle United and hosts Real Madrid.
Benfica have a game in hand while they are sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind Porto.
Under former Wolves manager Lage, they finished second in the top flight last season, two points behind Sporting.
The decision to leave Lage coincides with Benfica’s preparations for its 25-October presidential election.
Ruben Amorim is Joao Noronha Lopes’ favorite to win the election, who was present at Portuguese football at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Costa claimed that his desire to change management was not a result of his campaign for re-election.
Costa stated, “I’m not here to save any positions.”
In spite of what happens in the elections, my goal as president of Benfica is to ensure the best future for Benfica.
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Source: BBC
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