Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as Benfica’s new head coach, simply three weeks after being dismissed by Fenerbahçe. Returning to Portuguese soccer, the legendary supervisor expressed his pleasure about this new challenge but additionally despatched a pointy message to his former membership: “I made a mistake going to Fenerbahçe.”
After his first season in Turkey, Mourinho confronted Benfica within the UEFA Champions League qualifiers with a gaggle stage spot on the road. Following a scoreless first leg, Benfica clinched a 1-0 win at dwelling, eliminating Mourinho’s facet from the competitors.
In a press convention, Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç defined why the membership parted methods with Mourinho: “It’s not an issue to be eradicated by Benfica, nevertheless it’s unacceptable to be eradicated on this method. To me, it felt like a continuation of final 12 months’s soccer. We parted methods as a result of we consider that from this level on, this crew should play higher.”
Throughout his Benfica presentation, Mourinho hit again, brazenly regretting his choice to affix the Turkish membership. “I made a mistake going to Fenerbahçe, however I gave every thing till the final day. At my earlier membership, issues had been straightforward. I needed to play with a again 4, however the membership signed 5 gamers the day after I left. Whereas I used to be there, it was unattainable to play with 4 defenders when the crew had seven middle backs and just one winger,” the coach stated.
Head coach Jose Mourinho of Fenerbahce seems on in the course of the Turkish Tremendous League match between Fenerbahce and Besiktas on Could 4, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Portuguese boss additionally mirrored on his profession trajectory and what fuels his motivation at Benfica: “For some, I’ve two résumés: one which lasted a sure time frame, and one other that, for others, represents a much less lucky stage of my profession. My ‘misfortune’ is that within the final 5 years I’ve performed in two European finals. However I’m not necessary; what’s necessary is Benfica’s supporters. I’m right here to serve, to make Benfica win.”
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After a 3-2 Champions League loss to Qarabag, Benfica dismissed Bruno Lage and appointed Mourinho as head coach. The veteran supervisor has signed a two-year deal that features a clause permitting both facet to decide out inside 10 days of the ultimate match of the 2025-26 season, beneath the identical circumstances, earlier than extending into 2026-27.
Is Mourinho nearing the tip of his profession?
Mourinho stays some of the influential managers of the twenty first century, however at 62, questions linger about how lengthy he can proceed on the highest degree. Nonetheless, “The Particular One” insists he has no plans to step away anytime quickly.
Requested instantly about retirement, Mourinho supplied a defiant response: “In case you anticipate me to complete in 4 or 5 years, you’re fallacious. I would be the one to determine. I needed to return final evening, work, meet with the analysts, the assistants… I’ll solely cease once I really feel that one thing has modified. Right now I really feel that what has modified is that I’m hungrier than I used to be 25 years in the past.”
