The legendary Portuguese manager is in line for an emotional St James' Park return
Jose Mourinho before the start of the UEFA Champions League Play Off 2nd Leg match between SL Benfica and Fenerbahce.
Jose Mourinho could be set for a quick return to management(Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho is set to make an emotional return to St James' Park next month after being lined up as Benfica's new manager. The Portuguese side face Newcastle United in the Champions League on October 21, with the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager expected to be confirmed as their new boss this week.
Benfica are reportedly keen to appoint the experienced coach by the weekend, following Bruno Lage's dismissal. They had been linked with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, but appear to have struck a deal with Mourinho instead.
The 62-year-old, who departed Fenerbahce earlier this month, previously managed the Lisbon club for 11 matches during his maiden coaching stint in 2000.
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Portuguese media outlets now suggest he's poised for a return to the Estadio da Luz as Benfica respond to their humiliating Champions League defeat against Qarabag.
Lage was shown the door after throwing away a 2-0 advantage at home, with his dismissal confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday.
Benfica president Rui Costa declared that a managerial change was essential following the shocking result, as the club aims to reclaim their status as Portugal's dominant force.
His desire to move swiftly has been evident, with CNN Portugal claiming that a preliminary agreement has been struck, whilst both sides now work to finalise contractual details.
Costa stated: "Regarding the next coach, we expect to have the new one on the bench at Vila das Aves next Saturday."
That appears destined to be Mourinho, who enjoys legendary status in his native country.
Mourinho has ties with Newcastle thanks to his time working under Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona. Speaking in 2020, Mourinho said of United: "It's a club I feel connection with because of Mr Robson, it's a simple as that. He had a huge passion for Newcastle and his area, Durham. He had it in his heart. So, through him I have become a little magpie!"
It was at Porto where the celebrated tactician first established his reputation, securing domestic supremacy whilst lifting the UEFA Cup and Champions League in back-to-back campaigns before his switch to Chelsea.
Should Benfica secure Mourinho then it could potentially shut down an exit route for Amorim, whose position at United remains increasingly uncertain.
Newcastle get their Champions League campaign under way against Barcelona on Thursday night, before travelling to face Union SG on October 1.