Jose Mourinho Shares Candid Thoughts on Fenerbahce Experience as He Takes Over as Benfica Manager — Set for a Comeback at a Familiar Club Soon

Jose Mourinho has been confirmed as the new Benfica boss, agreeing a two-year deal with the Portuguese giants.

Mourinho, 62, has been a free agent since being sacked by Fenerbahce last month following their failure to qualify for the Champions League .

The Portuguese’s availability had triggered a wave of speculation over his next destination, but reports earlier this week strongly linked him with Benfica after they sacked former Wolves boss Bruno Lage .

At his unveiling press conference, Mourinho immediately reflected on his most recent job and outlined his expectations for Benfica. 

He said: ‘My career has been rich, I’ve coached in different countries, I made the wrong choice, but I have no regrets. But I’m aware of what we did well or poorly. I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce, but I gave everything until the last day. Coaching Benfica is returning to my level.’ 

He also struck a bullish tone about what Benfica can achieve under his leadership, telling reporters: ‘Promises are worth what they’re worth. 

‘At the time, at FC Porto, I promised and could have broken them. I truly believe Benfica has everything it takes to win the championship. They’ve lost two points, and we’ll certainly lose more, hopefully not many, but we’re starting from scratch. 

‘Benfica has the potential in the dressing room to be champions, but I’m not hiding that. Not a promise, but the conviction that we can and should make it happen. The context for me is coaching one of the biggest clubs in the world.’ 

In their earlier statement, Benfica added that both parties will have the option to end the contract 10 days after the final official game of the 2025-26 season under the same conditions. 

It marks a high-profile return for Mourinho, who took charge of Benfica for 10 matches in 2000 before leaving amid boardroom changes and joining Uniao de Leiria. 

He went on to win the Champions League with Porto, two Premier League titles in his first stint at Chelsea and further trophies with Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma before his most recent spell at Fenerbahce.

Mourinho was pictured arriving in Portugal on Wednesday evening with a Benfica scarf draped over his shoulders by supporters and fielded questions from the media.

Asked about the possibility of taking the job, he said: ‘Before I got on the plane, they asked me if I might be interested. I said yes, I might be interested.

‘If I return to Benfica, it won’t be a career celebration, nor 25 years later, nor a return home,’ said Mourinho. ‘When I was faced with the possibility of coaching Benfica, I didn’t think twice about it, saying, “I’m interested, I’d like it”.’

Mourinho’s return to Benfica has added intrigue given the Portuguese side face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge later this month.

His appointment comes at a time when Benfica are looking to recover from a shock Champions League defeat by Qarabag and stabilise under new leadership.

On Mourinho’s appointment, Rui Costa, the club president, said: ‘Mourinho needs no introduction. He returns to a club he knows well; he’s one of the most highly regarded coaches in the world.

‘We wanted a coach with a winning record, and it would be difficult to find a more extensive record than Jose Mourinho’s. 

‘May he be as happy here as he has been in all the others. It’s an honor, a privilege, and a source of pride to have him as Benfica’s coach.’ 

Benfica currently sit sixth in the Portuguese top flight, five points off leaders Porto, and host Vila das Aves this weekend with Mourinho set to take charge.