Mourinho is set to be appointed as Benfica‘s new head coach, marking a return to the club where his managerial journey began back in 2000. The 62-year-old will replace Bruno Lage and will immediately be thrown into high-profile European action. Benfica’s Champions League league-stage fixtures pit them against Chelsea and Newcastle in back-to-back away games.
Mourinho’s return to England is dripping with narrative, especially given his history with both Chelsea and Manchester United. The trips to Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park will rekindle memories of his iconic Premier League reigns, where his presence always drew headlines. For Benfica, these games offer both a sporting challenge and an opportunity to impress under their charismatic new boss.
Mourinho’s Champions League schedule is packed with familiar faces. After the two English clashes, Benfica will later welcome Real Madrid — another of his old clubs — in the final gameweek of the league phase. It means Mourinho will cross paths with two former employers in one campaign, underlining just how decorated his career has been.
Mourinho’s immediate focus will be on steadying Benfica domestically, with the club sitting just outside the title race in Portugal. Attention will then turn to Chelsea, where his first big European test awaits against a club he once helped make serial winners. The English spotlight will soon be fixed firmly back on the Special One.
