Jose Mourinho has officially become the head coach of Benfica, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Portuguese giants. The 62-year-old is on a quick track back into management. He was most recently let go from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, after a disastrous one-year reign in Istanbul. When Mourinho walked out on Fenerbahce, it was after openly lambasting the board on their lack of transfer market activity. This departure came right before the key Champions League playoff tie against Benfica.
Mourinho’s ties to Benfica are profound. He was the last man to take charge of the club, overseeing affairs for just over three months between September and December 2000. He turned down life in the domestic rivals’ Porto academy and instead started his career in Porto’s own back yard. There, he won the UEFA Cup in 2003 and Champions League in 2004. Mourinho has established an incredible legacy, establishing himself as one of the most successful managers in footballing history. Over the course of his career he’s made a great impact in England, Spain, and Italy.
His appointment comes just ahead of pivotal presidential elections at Benfica. This perfect timing emphasizes how much his arrival would shape the club’s future direction. Mourinho’s first training session will be this Thursday, as he begins the process of readying his players ahead of the busy schedule that awaits them.
In announcing his appointment and reflecting on his new role, Mourinho was clear about how he’s feeling, and what it will take. He stated, “Today I feel that I am hungrier than I was 25 years ago.” This does not sound like a man who is trying to appease any doubters or put a positive spin on his managerial failure.
“I’m now the coach of one of the greatest clubs in the world.” – Jose Mourinho
Mourinho’s return to Benfica would be fiery and fascinating. Even more fascinatingly, he will go head-to-head against his old club Chelsea later this month! Benfica returning to Stamford Bridge on 30th September during the Champions League group stage. The second leg just deepens the intrigue of the Mourinho tale. He continues to prepare for a team that he’s experienced a large amount of success against.
In December, Benfica will take on Newcastle. This match served to underscore the steep obstacles that Mourinho and his team have yet to overcome. As he moves on to this next phase, the idea of winning in Mourinho’s world is getting redefined. He remarked on his enduring ambition: “The only thing that hasn’t changed was my desire to always win the next match.”
Reflecting on his personal growth over the years, Mourinho noted, “Today I think a lot more about the others. I’m last in line. I’m here to serve.” This interpretation opens up an alternative reading of his tactics as he transitions back to a formerly self-defining role as the consummate conciliator.
“I’m at a completely different moment as far as maturity. I’m not important. I’m more altruistic, less egocentric.” – Jose Mourinho
The eyes of the footballing world are upon them. Mourinho’s leadership will be critical, though, as Benfica has the potential to recreate their domestic success on the European level. Yet his previous successes have set a standard that is hard to meet. We can’t wait to see what he does now that he’s sailing on this uncharted course!
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