Benfica Nears Jose Mourinho Return After Bruno Lage Sacking

Following Benfica's shocking Champions League defeat to Qarabag and subsequent sacking of Bruno Lage, Jose Mourinho is in advanced talks to return as the club's manager. Mourinho, who began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000, is currently a free agent after being dismissed by Fenerbahce earlier this year. Despite initial links to Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, Benfica appears set to appoint Mourinho due to his vast experience and winning pedigree, with a deal potentially finalized by the weekend. Club president Rui Costa emphasized the need for a winning coach capable of bringing titles to Benfica, underscoring the urgency to have a new manager in place before their upcoming match at Vila das Aves. Mourinho's return would mark a homecoming 21 years after his first stint and position him against his former club Chelsea in the Champions League soon after. The move highlights Benfica's ambition to regain domestic dominance and reinforces Mourinho's status as a top managerial option in Portuguese football.