Former Premier League manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed a key piece of advice from ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho after finding his job under threat. Back in 2004, the Northern Irishman was still an unknown figure outside Reading’s academy system. However, his paths crossed with Mourinho, who took over at Chelsea and brought him into Stamford Bridge to oversee the youth setup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to complete a "beautiful story" by returning to his roots at Sporting, even if that path is trodden without taking on the No.7 shirt. Ronaldo took his first tentative steps down the road to superstardom in Lisbon and has seen it suggested on a regular basis that he could bring his record-shattering career full circle by finishing where it all began.
FC Porto president Andre Villas-Boas has lifted the lid on a bold new plan that could reshape European football, an Iberian Super Cup featuring Spanish and Portuguese giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, and Sporting. The concept, still sitting in what he called “the drawer”, could see Iberian powerhouses go head-to-head in a cross-border spectacle aimed at expanding brands and global reach.
Jose Mourinho claims that five of his Benfica players were suffering a “self-esteem crisis” ahead of a crunch clash with Porto, leading to the ‘Special One’ adopting a pragmatic mindset against his former employers. Mourinho makes no apologies for setting his side up to frustrate table-topping opposition, with an important point being taken from an uneventful goalless draw.
It was obvious that Jose Mourinho was finished at Fenerbahce the moment the full-time whistle blew in last month's Champions League qualifier at Benfica. However, it also felt like his time at the top was over, too, because Mourinho no longer seemed quite so special.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has accused referee Sergio Guelho of having "no personality" after his side's disappointing 1-1 draw with Rio Ave. The ex-Chelsea manager's new club were pegged back in injury time against their lowly opponents, who are yet to win this season, much to the Portuguese's chagrin.
Jose Mourinho claims to be in a “negative” wage position at Benfica, with the Portuguese tactician saying he would “earn more” if he stayed at home and enjoyed time with his family. The ‘Special One’ has chosen not to do that, with the 62-year-old heading back to where it all began for him in a managerial capacity after taking the reins for a second time at Lisbon giants.
Jose Mourinho may have reunited with Benfica, 25 years after resigning from his first senior managerial gig, but the two-year contract the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter and Manchester United boss has signed at the Estadio da Luz is not necessarily all that it may seem. Both he and his new club aren't ready to fully commit to each other just yet.
Benfica have released behind-the-scenes footage from Jose Mourinho’s first game back at the club, with the outspoken Portuguese delivering an X-rated team talk to his players before heading into action against AVS Futebol SAD. The ‘Special One’ is back where it all began for him, having returned to his homeland, and has clearly lost none of his passion for his game.
Jose Mourinho has revealed he always expected to return to Portugal at some point in his managerial career, but the Special One thought it would be in charge of the national team and not his new club Benfica. The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss returned to his homeland after being appointed as the Primeira Liga giants' new manager on a two-year contract on Thursday.
Jose Mourinho marked his Benfica homecoming with a simple sunrise post from the club’s training ground, captioned 'Good morning SL Benfica'. But his first update as Benfica coach sparked chaos online, as Fenerbahce fans swarmed his Instagram with angry comments after his remarks that managing the Turkish side was a 'mistake' and that the club was 'not his level'.
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a shock move for Sporting CP's powerhouse captain Morten Hjulmand after their pursuit of Brighton's Carlos Baleba hit a wall, with the Seagulls demanding a jaw-dropping £120 million for their Cameroonian star. United boss Ruben Amorim is desperate to bring Baleba to Old Trafford, but Brighton's sky-high asking price left Old Trafford chiefs wincing.
Arsenal’s hunt for a top-tier striker has finally concluded with the imminent arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The deal, which could reach a staggering £63.5 million, represents one of Arsenal's biggest investments in recent years as Mikel Arteta strengthens his frontline for the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal have reportedly received the all-clear to complete the £64 million (€73.5m) signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, with the Swedish striker set to undergo a medical this weekend. The 27-year-old is poised to wear Thierry Henry's legendary No.14 shirt at the Emirates Stadium after turning down other clubs to join Mikel Arteta's side this summer.
Manchester United were offered a chance to hijack Arsenal's transfer move for Viktor Gyokeres for a second week in a row by Sporting CP, but the Swedish striker has made it clear that his preferred destination remains Arsenal. Last week, reports emerged that the Red Devils could swoop in and secure a transfer for Gyokeres after talks between Sporting and the Gunners stalled.
Manchester United could hijack Arsenal's transfer deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres as the Red Devils are closing on an agreement to meet the Portuguese club's €70 million (£60.6m/$81.4m) valuation. Gyokeres is determined to leave Sporting CP this summer as he wants a move to the Premier League and as a result, he did not even turn up for the club's pre-season preparations.
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The news comes just days after the Swede refused to report for pre-season with the Portuguese side. Mikel Arteta has prioritised the 27-year-old as his new No. 9 and a five-year contract is ready, with The Athletic suggesting the deal is worth €73.5 million (£63.4m/$86m).
Viktor Gyokeres' proposed move to Arsenal could collapse amid an 'impasse' in negotiations with Sporting CP. Gunners officials have left Lisbon after failing to strike a final agreement with the Portuguese club. If the deal falls through, Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce are ready to try and sign the striker on loan.
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