Benfica have sacked Bruno Lage and are set to appoint Jose Mourinho as his replacement after the Portuguese giants reached an agreement with the former Manchester United boss
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho looks set for a swift return to management
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho looks set for a swift return to management
(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho is set to secure a swift return to the dugout, with Benfica poised to install him as manager by the weekend following Bruno Lage's dismissal. The Portuguese heavyweights had reportedly been eyeing Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, but have now struck a deal with Mourinho.
Mourinho, who left Fenerbahce in August, previously guided the Lisbon club through 11 matches during his first ever managerial stint in 2000. Portuguese media outlets now suggest he's preparing for an imminent comeback at Estadio da Luz as Benfica respond to their humiliating Champions League defeat against Qarabag.
Lage bore the brunt of criticism after surrendering a 2-0 advantage on home soil and was dismissed in the early hours of Wednesday. Benfica president Rui Costa declared that a managerial change was essential following the poor result as they strive to reclaim their status as Portugal's dominant force.
He expressed his determination to move swiftly, with CNN Portugal claiming that a preliminary agreement with Mourinho has been secured, whilst both parties work to finalise contractual terms. Costa stated: "Regarding the next coach, we expect to have the new one on the bench at Vila das Aves next Saturday."
Mourinho, 62, has a legendary status within Portuguese football. It was at Porto where the former United manager initially established his credentials, achieving domestic supremacy whilst capturing both the UEFA Cup and Champions League in consecutive campaigns before his switch to Chelsea, reports the Mirror.
Should Benfica secure Mourinho's services, it could potentially eliminate a potential exit route for Amorim, whose position at United remains increasingly uncertain. Amorim has overseen United's worst start to a season in 33 years.
Asked if he fears getting sacked after the weekend defeat to Manchester City, Amorim said: "Guys, I understand that and I accept.
"It is not a record you should have in Manchester United. There are a lot of things - you have no idea what happened during these months - but I accept that. I am not going to change.
"When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man. We will talk about that every game that we lose. I don't believe in that, in the system, or whatever. I believe in my way and I am going to play my way until I want to change.
"My message is that I am going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club. That was always the same message.
"It is not my decision, the rest (on whether United change manager). Until I am here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I am suffering more than them."
Ruben Amorim's addressed his Manchester United future after the 3-0 defeat to Man City
Ruben Amorim's addressed his Manchester United future after the 3-0 defeat to Man City
The frontrunner to become Benfica's next president, Joao Noronha Lopes, made the journey to Manchester last weekend to witness Amorim's team suffer a 3-0 defeat to rivals City at the Etihad. Lopes has been open about his ambitions to lure Amorim back to Benfica should he triumph over Costa in next month's presidential race.
In a recent interview with Record, he was candid about his respect for Amorim - though he stopped short of confirming any appointment plans.
He said: "Ruben Amorim? He's a great coach, he has a contract with Manchester United. I won't comment on that. Of course I like him. He's a great coach and a Benfica fan. I don't have a contract for Ruben to sign."
Lopes' running mate as vice-president would be Nuno Gomes - one of Amorim's closest allies who shared the pitch with him for both Benfica and Portugal - and the former forward has been emphatic that he envisions the United manager returning to Lisbon eventually.
When questioned about the possibility of his comeback, he stated: "Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United, I can't answer that question. One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day."
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