Jose Mourinho acknowledged he “will reside for Benfica” as he returned to handle the Portuguese giants for the second time in his profession.
Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce final month after failing to qualify for the Champions League in opposition to Benfica, however he now replaces Bruno Lage within the scorching seat.
The 62-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract that can run till the summer season of 2027, along with his first fixture in opposition to Avs Futebol Unhappy within the Primeira Liga this Saturday.
Lage was faraway from his publish after Benfica began their Champions League marketing campaign with a defeat to Qarabag, who recorded their first-ever win within the competitors.
Mourinho began his managerial profession with Benfica, however solely took cost of 9 video games earlier than leaving after a dispute with the membership president.
He final coached a facet in Portugal in 2004, main Porto to 6 trophies, together with the 2003-04 Champions League, earlier than becoming a member of Chelsea that summer season.
After being unveiled because the membership’s new supervisor, Mourinho expressed his want to proceed within the position past his present contract.
“As a consultant of the tens of millions of Benfica followers all over the world, I can inform you that not one of the different giants I’ve had the chance to teach have made me really feel extra honoured or extra accountable and motivated than being Benfica’s coach,” Mourinho mentioned at his first press convention.
“Phrases are typically carried away by the wind, however actions aren’t. The promise could be very clear: I’ll reside for Benfica, reside for my mission.
“I need to work at Benfica, however I need folks to belief me, to be on the identical web page as me. My want is to efficiently full the two-year contract with Benfica, and for that success to permit the membership to resume it eventually.
“My aim is to achieve success. And at Benfica, success, particularly on the nationwide degree, means profitable competitions.”
Bem-vindo, José Mourinho!
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 18, 2025
After leaving Benfica in dramatic style nearly 25 years in the past, Mourinho acknowledged that not all followers can be blissful along with his appointment.
Nonetheless, the previous Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss is barely targeted on bringing success to the membership.
Mourinho added: “Absolutely you will have some tougher query hidden, whether or not I really feel that each one Benfica followers are blissful to be right here. I don’t suppose so.
“Who’s magnanimous, who has the facility to have everybody by their facet, blissful, admiring? I don’t suppose anybody.
“I don’t really feel that approach in any respect, however I do really feel a accountability and motivation to do good issues. And right here we all know what it means to do good issues, particularly on the nationwide degree, to win titles.”
Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge to face former membership Chelsea within the Champions League on 30 September.