Benfica are in negotiations with Jose Mourinho to become their new manager following the sacking of Bruno Lage, Afrosport reports.
Lage was dismissed on Tuesday night after their shock 3-2 defeat to Qarabag in their Champions League opener at Estadio da Luz.
Benfica president Rui Costa has revealed they are swiftly looking to appoint a replacement before Saturday’s league match AVS. He, however, refused to confirm reports linking Mourinho to the vacant position.
“A Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a winner,” Costa said. “A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire.
“There’s no point in talking about names here. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future.”
Mourinho was fired by Fenerbahce on 29 August, after failing to lead the Turkish club to the Champions League following a 1-0 loss to Benfica in the play-offs. The 62-year-old is poised to return to Benfica, 25 years after departing the Lisbon club.
The Portuguese began his managerial career with the Eagles in 2000 but took charge of just 11 games aa a rift with former president Manuel Vilarinho led to his resignation.
Shortly after, he secured a big move to Porto, leading them to six titles, including two Primeira Liga crowns and the 2004 Champions League triumph. He has since overseen Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma and Fenerbahce.
With the announcement of his return imminent, Mourinho could be set for an instant reunion with Chelsea, who are due to host Benfica in the Champions League on 30 September. They will also face Newcastle United, Napoli, Juventus and Real Madrid in the league phase.
Benfica were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Santa Clara in their last league outing and sit sixth in the league, already five points behind rivals Porto but with a game in hand.
