José Mourinho has been confirmed as Benfica's head coach on a contract till the summer time of 2027, with a break clause on the finish of this season. His fourth sport, on 30 September, will take him again to his former membership Chelsea within the Champions League.
The 62-year-old takes over from Bruno Lage, who was sacked after Benfica's 3-2 Champions League defeat by Qarabag on Tuesday. Benfica mentioned in a press release {that a} break clause would enable the membership or Mourinho to finish his deal within the 10 days after their closing sport of this marketing campaign.
Benfica are to carry a presidential election in October and Mourinho indicated that the weird clause was inserted with that in thoughts.
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“It's a contract with nice ethics behind it,” he mentioned. “I solely signed it; I wasn't the one who drew it up – it was outlined by the membership's administration and my collaborators. In fact, I solely signal what pleases me, however [the contract] has an amazing moral idea. From the membership's aspect, there's a large respect for the elections and the members. That's one thing to reward; it touched me that the contract was directed in direction of these ethics.
“The day after the elections, I would be the coach of Benfica. The presence of this moral aspect provides me a freedom that, beneath different situations, wouldn't exist. I wish to work at Benfica, however I additionally want for folks to belief me.”
Mourinho had been out of labor since he left Fenerbahce in late August after being crushed by Benfica in a Champions League qualifier. He was briefly in cost at Benfica in 2000 however got here to prominence with Porto earlier than taking jobs together with Inter, Actual Madrid and Manchester United.
“I had the chance to work on the largest golf equipment on the earth, and I can say that not one of the different big golf equipment I've had the chance to educate made me really feel extra honoured, accountable or motivated than being the coach of Benfica,” he mentioned. “Phrases, generally, are carried away by the wind, however actions should not, and the promise may be very clear. I'll dwell for Benfica, for my mission.”
His first sport is within the league on Saturday at struggling AVS. Benfica are sixth, 5 factors behind the leaders, Porto, with a sport in hand. They've given Mourinho his twelfth head coach's position and his first in his homeland since 2004.
On 5 October Mourinho will return to Porto, the place he acquired a standing ovation final Saturday as a spectator. “I'm anticipating a special reception,” he mentioned. “The one they gave me earlier than is regular: I'm a historic coach for the membership. My objective is to not attempt to get pleasure from a go to however to win a sport. The respect they've for me doesn't change however I'm returning because the coach of the principle rival.”
