New Benfica manager signed until 2027 with early exit option after criticizing ex-club

[OSEN=Jinju No Reporter] José Mourinho, the 62-year-old manager who took charge of Portuguese powerhouse SL Benfica, publicly criticized Fenerbahçe of Turkey, a club he previously managed.

Benfica announced on the 18th, Korean time, through its official website, "We have signed a contract with Manager Mourinho until the end of the 2026-2027 season." However, the contract includes a condition that allows either party to terminate the agreement without extension if there is mutual consent within 10 days after the final official match of the 2025-2026 season.

Mourinho's return to Benfica marks his first since 2000. He initially took charge of the club in September 2000, succeeding Louis van Gaal. However, amid internal chaos and conflicts, he left the team after just 11 matches.

Since then, Mourinho has accumulated numerous titles while managing Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and others. Notably, during his time at Porto, he achieved a historic treble by winning the UEFA Champions League, the league title, and the domestic cup simultaneously. This earned him the nickname "The Special One."

However, his career began to decline in the late 2010s. After taking over as Tottenham's manager in 2019, his over-reliance on counterattacks and dependence on Son Heung-min and Harry Kane exposed limitations. He was dismissed after approximately one and a half years, marking the first time in his career that a team under his management finished without a trophy.

He later moved to AS Roma, where he won the UEFA Europa Conference League. Despite inconsistent performances and controversies, he at least preserved his reputation. However, his recent stint at Fenerbahçe was challenging. The team suffered consecutive defeats against Galatasaray, finished without a trophy, and failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage. He was dismissed after a playoff loss to Benfica a month ago and ironically took charge of Benfica immediately afterward.

At his Benfica inauguration press conference, Mourinho criticized his former club, Fenerbahçe. He stated, "My career has been a glorious journey, leading top clubs across multiple countries. However, there were also missteps. I have no regrets, but Fenerbahçe was a mistake," refusing to hide his dissatisfaction.

He added, "Neither the cultural nor the footballing standards met my level. Still, I gave my all until the end. Taking charge of Benfica means returning to my level. I am someone who should manage world-class clubs," praising only Benfica.

Such criticism is not unfamiliar to Mourinho. Tottenham was also a frequent target. His dismissal just two days before the 2020-2021 Carabao Cup final was the reason. Tottenham finished as runners-up after losing to Manchester City in that final.

Mourinho later quipped, "I won trophies at every club I joined. Tottenham was the exception," and in a past podcast, mocked, "It's funny that a team with an empty trophy cabinet cut me two days before a final."

With his return to Benfica, Mourinho has once again unleashed sharp criticism. His recent pointed remarks are garnering more attention than his past reputation as "The Special One."

/jinju217@osen.co.kr

Mourinho criticizes former club Fenerbahçe as 'biggest mistake'