The tip of Bruno Lage’s second spell at Benfica has paved the way in which for a blockbuster return: José Mourinho, the legendary Portuguese coach who constructed his status at FC Porto, is anticipated to be introduced as the brand new head coach within the coming hours. For Benfica followers, the transfer just isn’t solely surprising but additionally symbolic, as Mourinho’s legacy is deeply tied to Porto—Benfica’s fiercest rival.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s departure following the membership’s disappointing 3-2 dwelling loss to Qarabag within the Europa League and a irritating league draw in opposition to Santa Clara. Talking on the Estádio da Luz, Costa thanked Lage for his dedication however admitted it was time for change.
“We simply reached an settlement with Bruno Lage. He’s now not the coach of Benfica as of right this moment,” Costa mentioned. “We thank him for his effort, however the second has come to maneuver in a unique path.”
Whereas Costa didn’t explicitly identify the successor, Portuguese media has made it clear: Mourinho’s cope with Benfica is finished, and the announcement is imminent.
Mourinho went on to win the Champions League with Porto, the massive shock of 2004.
Mourinho’s time at Porto and battles with Benfica
Earlier than conquering Europe with Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Actual Madrid, José Mourinho grew to become a family identify at FC Porto. His tenure from 2002 to 2004 was nothing in need of historic. Mourinho guided Porto to back-to-back Portuguese league titles, a UEFA Cup in 2003, and most famously, the UEFA Champions League crown in 2004.
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Throughout these years, his clashes with Benfica had been fiery and symbolic. In home competitors, Porto constantly received the higher of their Lisbon rivals beneath Mourinho, asserting dominance at a time when Benfica was struggling to match Porto’s European momentum. His sharp feedback within the press and tactical brilliance on the sector turned him right into a villain for Benfica supporters but additionally laid the inspiration for his status because the “Particular One.”
That historical past provides an additional layer of intrigue to his appointment at Benfica. A person as soon as seen because the face of Porto’s golden period will now try to information their biggest rival again to the highest of Portuguese and European soccer.
Lage’s legacy and Benfica’s subsequent chapter
Lage’s departure ends a turbulent yr. In his second stint with Benfica, he delivered a League Cup and Tremendous Cup, however falling brief within the home league in opposition to Sporting and stumbling in Europe made his place untenable.
Now, Benfica turns to Mourinho, a coach with a resume unmatched by most of his friends: Champions League titles, home triumphs throughout 4 totally different nations, and a status for instilling successful mentalities. For Benfica followers, this transfer may both symbolize the daybreak of a brand new golden period or of venture on a person endlessly tied to their biggest rival.
