Mourinho 'set to return to former club 25 YEARS after first leaving'

by · Mail Online

Jose Mourinho is in line for a sensational return to a former club 25 years after waving goodbye - and he could come up against Chelsea in just two weeks.

Mourinho, 62, is a free agent after Fenerbahce's failure to qualify for the Champions League saw him dismissed from his post in Turkey.

The Portuguese's availability has triggered a wave of speculation over his next destination, but according to A Bola, Mourinho is set to return to his homeland - and a deal could be wrapped up by the end of Wednesday.

Benfica are reportedly making great strides in their talks with Mourinho, who was given his first managerial job by the Portuguese side in 2000. He oversaw just 10 games - with a change in leadership at the top of the club resulting in Mourinho handing in his resignation - before taking a full time position at Uniao de Leiria. 

Mourinho went on to enjoy huge success at Porto before becoming an internationally recognised name during his stints at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter.

And, should the deal go through, he will put himself on a collision course with former club Chelsea - who Benfica face in the Champions League in just two weeks. 

Jose Mourinho is reportedly in line for a return to his former club, Benfica
Should he agree to join the Portuguese club, he would face ex-team Chelsea in two weeks
Mourinho enjoyed a short-lived spell at the Portuguese club in 2000, overseeing 10 matches

Benfica parted ways with former Wolves boss Bruno Lage following a pedestrian start to the season, with the club eager to have a new coach in place for this weekend's game against Vila das Aves.

Club president Rui Costa said: ‘We have reached an agreement with Bruno Lage to step down as Benfica’s coach. I thank him for everything he’s done for our club, but we believe it’s time for a change.

‘Regarding the next coach, we expect to have the new one on the bench at Vila das Aves next Saturday.

‘We’ve had a tough week for all Benfica fans, after the match against Santa Clara and this match against Qarabag. We haven’t compromised anything, we haven’t dropped out of any competition, but I believe this is the time for a change.

‘The Benfica coach must be a winner. He must be a coach who represents a club of this size and has the ability to bring this team to the required levels.

‘We won’t talk about names. Benfica is currently without a coach. The only thing that happened after the game was the conversation with Bruno Lage. No coach has been hired today.’