Jose Mourinho has signed a two-year contract with Benfica, marking his return to the Portuguese club after 25 years. The former Manchester United boss was sacked by Fenerbahce earlier this month and will now replace Bruno Lage as head coach.
Mourinho, 62, was dismissed by Fenerbahce after just over a year in charge, following criticism of the board's transfer policy ahead of their Champions League play-off against Benfica. The Portuguese club, however, seems to have welcomed Mourinho with open arms, with their new coach promising a more mature and less egocentric approach to management.
"Today I think a lot more about the others. I'm last in line. I'm here to serve," Mourinho said in his first press conference since taking charge. "I'm at a completely different moment as far as maturity. I'm not important. I'm more altruistic, less egocentric."
Mourinho's return to Benfica is a full-circle moment for the Portuguese coach. He began his managerial career at the club in 2000 but left after just three months due to a contract dispute. Now, 25 years later, he will take charge of one of Europe's most prestigious clubs, promising to bring his winning mentality to the table.
"I'll only stop when I feel that something has changed," Mourinho said. "And today I feel that I am hungrier than I was 25 years ago."
Mourinho's first challenge as Benfica coach will be to navigate the club's Champions League campaign, which begins with a home match against Qarabag of Azerbaijan. The Portuguese club's next match in the competition will be against Mourinho's former club, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge on September 30.
Mourinho's return to Benfica is a significant moment for both the club and the coach himself. It remains to be seen whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Manchester United, but one thing is certain - Mourinho will be aiming to make a statement in the Champions League and beyond.
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