Jose Mourinho Returns to Portugal, Eyes National Team Future Despite Benfica Appointment
- Jose Mourinho has made a sensational return to Portuguese football as Benfica’s head coach, instantly making his mark
- The Special One revealed that his ultimate goal has always been to manage one specific national team, a role he believes is a natural next step
- Social media erupted as fans celebrated Mourinho’s winning start, with many hailing him as the best manager
After a globe-trotting managerial career that saw him lift trophies with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has returned to his homeland to continue his career.
The 62-year-old, famously known as the Special One, has been appointed as Benfica’s head coach on a two-year deal, marking a high-profile homecoming to Portuguese club football.
Source: Getty Images
Mourinho first began his managerial journey with the Benfica in 2000 but left after just ten games following a clash with the club’s president.
This time, according to Reuters, he made an emphatic statement in his first match back, guiding the Primeira Liga giants to a commanding 3-0 win over AVS, just days after replacing Bruno Lage, who was dismissed following a shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag.
Jose Mourinho eyes Portugal national team job
Despite the excitement surrounding his Benfica appointment, Jose Mourinho made it clear that his original plan for returning to Portugal was tied to the national team.
According to Sky Sports on X, the ex-Chelsea manager revealed that opportunities to manage the Selecção had arisen before, but he declined, convinced it was a role meant for a later stage in his career.
Reflecting on his homecoming, he emphasized that leading Portugal had always seemed inevitable, yet circumstances steered him toward signing for Benfica, as cited by The Guardian.
Still, Mourinho believes this move aligns naturally with the arc of his storied career, placing him at the helm of a giant club with lofty ambitions, as cited by Sky Sports.
Jose Mourinho wins debut Benfica game
Meanwhile, social media erupted following Jose Mourinho’s winning debut in his second spell at Benfica, with fans flooding platforms to share messages of support and praise for the veteran manager as one of football's finest tacticians.
@Epzito said:
''Mourinho going insane over a 3-0 win like he's just discovered football for the first time is peak Special One energy, the man could make a training session sound like the World Cup final.''
@BenficaMan said:
''Benfica are unstoppable right now. Mourinho’s tactics are firing on all cylinders.''
@CasandraBenet reacted:
''The best manager in the world of football. Benfica is dominating and Mourinho is ecstatic with his team's performance.''
@EdnRebeca also commented:
''What a performance from Benfica, Mourinho must be thrilled with his team's performance.''
Source: Getty Images
Benfica appoints Jose Mourinho as head coach
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh confirmed that Jose Mourinho was officially appointed as Benfica’s head coach on Thursday, September 18, marking his highly anticipated return to Portuguese club football.
The 62-year-old manager, renowned for his successful spells at Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, signed a two-year contract to lead the Primeira Liga giants in a second stint.
Source: YEN.com.gh
