Jose Mourinho has been strongly linked with a return to Portuguese giants Benfica, simply weeks after leaving Fenerbahce.
The Lisbon membership sacked Bruno Lage on Tuesday evening following a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag, regardless of holding a two-goal lead at Estadio da Luz.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed the membership intends to nominate a brand new supervisor earlier than Saturday, although he refused to call candidates.
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“A Benfica coach’s profile have to be that of a winner,” Costa stated.
“A coach representing a membership of this dimension will need to have the power to take this workforce to the degrees we demand and ship the titles we want.”
BBC Sport studies that Mourinho is in talks over a return to Portugal, 21 years after he first left Benfica to hitch Chelsea. The 61-year-old started his managerial profession with Benfica in 2000, although he solely lasted 10 video games earlier than departing after a dispute with the previous membership president.
Since then, Mourinho has constructed a glittering profession, successful league titles in 4 totally different international locations and the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan.
He has additionally managed Chelsea, Actual Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, and not too long ago Fenerbahce, the place he was sacked in August after a Champions League play-off defeat to none aside from Benfica.
If appointed, Mourinho would shortly face a high-profile return to England when Benfica play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 30 September within the Champions League. The membership even have upcoming fixtures in opposition to Newcastle United and Actual Madrid within the league section.
Benfica presently sit sixth within the Primeira Liga, 5 factors off leaders Porto however with a recreation in hand. The choice to sack Lage additionally comes amid preparations for Benfica’s presidential election on 25 October, including additional weight to the managerial appointment.
