“The Special One” set to become new head coach of Benfica

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Benfica and José Mourinho have reached a verbal agreement for him to become their new coach on a two-year contract until 2027.

Mourinho will return to the club where he started his managerial career almost 25 years ago.

He was appointed manager of the club in September 2000, but the 62-year-old stepped down after just 11 games in charge due to a contract dispute with then-president Manuel Vilarinho.

The Portuguese replaces Bruno Lage, who was dismissed after he relinquished a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

It became Qarabag’s first win in the competition and extended Benfica’s winless streak at home to six games in the competition.

Mourinho himself was relieved from his duties at Fenerbahçe last month due to his inability to secure a place in the Champions League league phase for the Turkish giants.

Coincidentally, the Portuguese manager was knocked out by Bruno Lage’s Benfica in the play-offs, losing 1-0 on aggregate.

Mourinho’s CV shows he is one of the most successful and decorated managers in football, with a record of 1197 games, 740 wins, and 215 losses across various top European clubs.

He is a multiple winner of major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, becoming the first manager ever to achieve this feat.

The 62-year-old has won league titles in four different countries.

His first game back will be a trip to AVS on Saturday.

He would also return to Stamford Bridge to face his former employers, Chelsea, in the Champions League on September 30.