'Fenerbahce wasn't my cultural level'

Jose Mourinho is officially back on Benfica’s bench. His first spell was short-lived, just 10 matches back in 2000 when he was starting his independent coaching career, while this second stint is set to last until the summer of 2027. Although, it could end sooner. In a statement published on the club’s official website, Benfica announced that both the club and Mourinho have the option to terminate the cooperation without consequences 10 days after the end of the current season, if either side wishes to do so. To recall, the trophy-winning coach most recently worked at Fenerbahce, but after failing to qualify for the Champions League, he was dismissed. It was in fact Benfica who eliminated the Turkish club, but falling behind Porto in the domestic league early in the season led to Bruno Lage’s dismissal.

Just a month before Benfica’s presidential elections, Rui Costa decided to bring in a high-profile coach. Considering Mourinho’s career has been in decline, however, the question remains whether this move will actually help the former midfielder stay at the helm of the famous Lisbon club. The former Real and Chelsea boss was introduced to the press and already had some interesting quotes.

"My career so far has been rich; I've coached the biggest clubs in the world, in different countries. I made the wrong choice. I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce; it wasn't my cultural level, it wasn't my football level, it wasn't my level. Obviously, I gave everything until the last day. Obviously, I had to mourn, like Bruno Lage is doing now, because nobody likes to leave, but coaching Benfica is returning to my level, and my level is coaching the biggest clubs in the world," said Mourinho.

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He says that his perception of coaching has changed a lot.

“I am not important. I come to Benfica at a stage in my career and as a person… I have changed for the better. I am more altruistic, less egocentric, I think less about myself and more about how I can help others, how I can bring them joy. I am not important, Benfica is important, Benfica’s fans are important – they are the heart of every club, and at Benfica in an even more special way. The players are important. I am here to serve and to help Benfica win” said the Portuguese.