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José Mourinho has been linked as a possible replacement after Benfica parted ways with head coach Bruno Lage following their shock Champions League defeat to Qarabag, according to Portuguese reports.
Lage’s dismissal was confirmed late on Tuesday by club president Rui Costa after Benfica squandered a 2-0 lead at home to Azerbaijan’s Qarabag, eventually losing 3-2 in their opening group-stage match. The defeat came just days after Benfica dropped their first league points of the season in a draw with Santa Clara, increasing the pressure on Lage during his second spell in charge of the Lisbon giants.
Costa said the club aimed to appoint a new manager in time for Saturday’s domestic league clash against AVS. Portuguese sports dailies have widely speculated that Mourinho is a leading candidate, with A Bola reporting that Benfica are eager to open talks with the 62-year-old coach.
Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica back in 2000 but left after just 11 games. He went on to achieve huge success at Porto, winning two league titles and the Champions League in 2004, before taking charge of Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. His career trajectory faltered after joining Manchester United in 2016, and most recently he was dismissed by Fenerbahce last month after just over a year in charge, ironically following a Champions League qualifying loss to Benfica.
Lage, who guided Benfica to the Portuguese league title in 2019 and the Portuguese Cup last season, now leaves the club facing early-season turbulence as they consider their next move.
