Jose Mourinho in talks to return to management with Champions League club

Jose Mourinho could be on the verge of a dramatic return to management, with Benfica lining him up as their next head coach. The 62-year-old has been out of work since August when he was dismissed by Fenerbahce after failing to secure Champions League qualification.

🚨💣 BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage got sacked overnight! ❤️🤍

Understand Mourinho has opened doors to Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately.

The agreement could be sealed soon. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/RL8eZmn5BY

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2025

Benfica Make Swift Move After Lage Exit

Benfica parted ways with Bruno Lage on Tuesday evening, just hours after their shock 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag. The club currently sit sixth in the Primeira Liga, but underwhelming performances early in the campaign pushed the board to act quickly.

Club president Rui Costa confirmed the decision, saying:
“We’ve agreed with Bruno Lage to step down. We thank him for his work, but we believe now is the moment for change. Benfica needs a coach who is a proven winner and capable of lifting the team to the highest level.”

A Return 25 Years in the Making

If confirmed, the move would see Mourinho return to the club where he began his managerial career in 2000, albeit for a brief 11-game spell before moving on to Uniao de Leiria and then Porto. From there, he forged a glittering career with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and more.

Adding further intrigue, it was Benfica who eliminated Mourinho’s Fenerbahce from this season’s Champions League qualifiers – making this potential reunion even more dramatic.

Benfica’s Urgency for a Winner

Rui Costa emphasised the urgency of the appointment:
“We hope to have a new coach in place for Saturday’s match at Vila das Aves. It’s been a difficult week for the fans, but the objectives remain intact. Now is the time for a coach who can bring immediate authority and results.”

Stamford Bridge Showdown on the Horizon

Should Mourinho take charge, his second debut with Benfica could be short-lived before facing a familiar opponent. Benfica are scheduled to play Chelsea in the Champions League on September 30, setting up a mouth-watering clash at Stamford Bridge between Mourinho and the club where he enjoyed two trophy-laden spells.

⚽ In summary: Mourinho looks set for a sensational Benfica homecoming that not only revives his managerial career but also puts him back on a collision course with Chelsea in just a matter of weeks.