Jose Mourinho has admitted that "killer" Newcastle were too strong for Benfica, who could not "compete with their horsepower" during their Champions League mauling on Tuesday evening at St. James' Park. The ‘Special One’ believes Eddie Howe’s men belong to a different league after a 3-0 defeat that left the visitors reeling and without a single point after three matches in Europe.
Jose Mourinho has brushed aside Newcastle job links and insisted that he "wouldn't trade Benfica for any other club in the world". It was Bobby Robson who once dreamed of bringing the young Portuguese to Newcastle as his assistant manager in 1999, with a plan to eventually hand him the reins. But fate charted a different course. Mourinho chose to launch his managerial career at Benfica in 2000, beginning a path that would lead him to Champions League glory with Porto and a glittering career across Europe’s biggest stages.
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.
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 has piled the pressure on Roberto Martinez as the Benfica boss insisted that Portugal must aim to win the World Cup next year. The Selecao boast one of the best squads in Europe with players like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva in midfield and an attack spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal are also fresh from winning the Nations League this year.
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.
TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods reacted to being "pied" by Jose Mourinho on live TV after Benfica suffered a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea. The visitors were undone by a cruel own goal from Richard Ríos in the 18th minute of the game, and for Mourinho, it marked yet another frustrating return to Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho was grateful for the warm reception he received from Chelsea fans but made it clear that it was no consolation after Benfica's Champions League defeat at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese walked back into the stadium that made him a legend and was met with a roar only reserved for serial champions. But while the love was loud, the night was cruel for Benfica.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho made an astonishing intervention during the Champions League clash with Chelsea after Portuguese fans started hurling objects towards Enzo Fernandes. Mourinho stepped in as drinks bottles rained down from the away section in the Shed End, pleading with his supporters to behave as they vented their fury at their former player, who left Benfica in controversial circumstances back in January 2023.
Alejandro Garnacho broke his silence on his bitter Manchester United exit after an impressive performance for Chelsea during their Champions League win over Benfica. The Argentine winger shone under the lights of Stamford Bridge as Chelsea edged past Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League. His dangerous cross forced Richard Rios into an own goal, sealing a priceless 1-0 win for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Chelsea made it an unhappy Stamford Bridge return for Jose Mourinho as the Blues picked up their first win of the 2025-26 Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a 1-0 win. Neto stole the show for Enzo Maresca’s side and picked out Alejandro Garnacho superbly to force an own goal in the first half that proved enough to secure all three points and make it a bad night for The Special One.
Joe Cole has joked that Jose Mourinho, who he worked under at Chelsea, must have “kicked Daniel Levy's cat” at Tottenham to deserve being sacked on the eve of a major cup final. The outspoken Portuguese was relieved of his duties in north London after guiding Spurs to the 2021 League Cup final. The decision to part with a proven winner raised a few eyebrows, with the Special One still chasing down tangible success at 62 years of age.
Jose Mourinho embraced Chelsea staff member Thresa Conneely, who has been at the club for 48 years, in a heartwarming reunion. The 'Special One's' Stamford Bridge homecoming turned into far more than a tactical rehearsal for Benfica’s Champions League showdown with Chelsea. Mourinho, making his fourth return to the club as an opposing manager, reminded the world why he’s still adored in west London, not with tactics or talk, but with a tender moment that left the room in awe.
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
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