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.
Rafa Benitez lifted the lid on his relationship with Jose Mourinho and made his feelings known on the Special One joining Benfica. The pair first locked horns in England back in 2004, when Benitez arrived at Liverpool just two weeks after Mourinho swaggered into Chelsea. What followed was a feud laced with mind games, press-room barbs, and an incredible 15 clashes in just three seasons.
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'.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. is having a major impact at newly-promoted Portuguese side Alverca, where he is a minority shareholder. Sporting director Pedro Alves has hailed the Brazilian's influence, which has brought global visibility to the club, including a surprise appearance at a recent league match against Benfica.
Jose Mourinho has already been warned of the sack threat he faces at Benfica, with the Portuguese a matter of hours into the two-year contract that he has signed at Estadio da Luz. The enigmatic former Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter boss is aware that he needs to deliver positive results in order to see out a deal through to the summer of 2027.
Jose Mourinho admits it was a "mistake" joining Fenerbahce and that the Turkish team wasn't on his "level". The 62-year-old has come full circle after being sworn in as Benfica's new manager following Bruno Lage's sacking. The Portuguese believes he is a coach who should be managing the biggest teams in the world and Benfica give him that platform.
Sporting CP are not feeling the absence of Viktor Gyokeres after the Swedish international signed for Arsenal over the summer. The Portuguese giants have signed Luis Suarez to succeed Gyokeres, with the Colombian striker earning high praise from team-mate Pedro Goncalves. In six games for the club since his arrival, Suarez has been directly involved in as many goals.
The Special One is back on familiar ground! Jose Mourinho, who is set to take charge of Benfica on a two-year deal, will find himself on English soil twice within the next month as the Champions League league phase unfolds. With trips to both Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park on the horizon, Mourinho is set for an early reunion with his former hunting ground..
Jose Mourinho is heading home, with the Portuguese tactician returning to his roots at Benfica on a two-year contract. The self-anointed ‘Special One’ has been out of work since seeing his spell at Turkish giants Fenerbahce brought to an abrupt halt. It has not taken long for a new position to be found, with the enigmatic 62-year-old linking up with a club that he knows well.
Jose Mourinho has provided his response to sacked Benfica ex-head coach Bruno Lage, after he wished the 'Special One' "best of luck" following his dismissal. Mourinho has been linked with the Benfica role after he was relieved of his duties at Super Lig side Fenerbahce, with the former Man Utd and Real Madrid boss eyeing an immediate return to the dugout.
Benfica announced their decision to part ways with Bruno Lage with immediate effect after their shock defeat to Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League opener on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, Lage, while speaking to reporters, wished Jose Mourinho "best of luck". Mourinho has been linked with the Benfica role and it is understood that he is keen on taking over at the Estadio da Luz.
Jose Mourinho has been told to "accept" that "his career is over" as the former Chelsea & Manchester United boss nears a surprise return to Benfica. The 62-year-old tactician, coming off an ill-fated stint at Fenerbahce, is reportedly in advanced talks to take charge at the Portuguese giants once again. However, some fans aren't buying the comeback story.
A Benfica presidential candidate has addressed speculation he wants to bring Ruben Amorim to the Portuguese giants after watching Manchester United's 3-0 loss to Manchester City. Joao Noronha Lopes and his team were at the Etihad for the Manchester derby and now he has made his thoughts on the Red Devils head coach perfectly clear.
Ruben Amorim could be handed a way out of his troubled Manchester United reign after Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes was spotted at the Etihad during Sunday’s derby defeat. The leading contender has openly spoken about bringing Amorim back to Lisbon if elected, raising fresh questions about the Portuguese coach’s long-term future at Old Trafford.
Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes has revealed his ambitious plan to bring Bernardo Silva back to his boyhood club from Manchester City. Speaking ahead of elections later this year, Lopes claimed that a contract is already 'waiting' for the Portuguese star, who is under contract at the Etihad until 2026. He hopes to convince City to part ways with the midfielder as early as January.
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas was full of acknowledgement while speaking about some star players, seemingly taking a swipe at Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal had to cancel a private jet that was lined up for Jakub Kiwior to travel to Porto to finalise his £22.5 million move to the Portuguese club. The Gunners are yet to agree on a deal with Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer of Piero Hincapie, despite the player agreeing personal terms. The Premier League giants won't be able to sanction Kiwior's transfer unless Hincapie's move is sealed.
Arsenal have reportedly entered fresh talks with FC Porto over the future of Jakub Kiwior, with the Portuguese giants pushing to secure the Poland international before the transfer deadline. The 25-year-old defender has slipped down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order following Cristhian Mosquera’s arrival and is now considering a move for more regular game time.
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.
Newcastle United are set to miss out on yet another striker target as Spain international Samu Aghehowa appears intent on staying at Porto. The 21-year-old, who scored 27 goals last season, is focused on helping the Dragons win the title and improving his numbers, with local media insisting he’s not tempted by 'greed' or a Premier League switch.