Overview
- Benfica confirmed Mourinho’s hiring in a CMVM filing on Thursday, announcing a contract through the end of the 2026/27 season and his immediate takeover.
- He succeeds Bruno Lage, who was dismissed after a 3-2 home loss to Qarabag in the Champions League group opener following a domestic stumble.
- Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç publicly floated an “odd coincidence,” alleging Mourinho anticipated the Qarabag result and suggesting a plan involving former sporting director Mário Branco.
- Mourinho rejected any orchestration, said he moves on after leaving clubs, and framed the Benfica opportunity as a return to his level.
- Following Mourinho’s sharp critique of his Istanbul stint, Turkish media and Koç responded on Friday with public rebuttals of his comments.