enfica have dismissed head coach Bruno Lage following a surprising Champions League loss to Qarabag and are reportedly in discussions to rehire José Mourinho. The decision comes as the club seeks to stabilize its campaign and ensure competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.
Lage Dismissed After Champions League Setback
The firing followed Benfica’s shocking collapse at home against Qarabag, where the team surrendered a 2‑0 lead to lose the match. Club president Rui Costa said the move was necessary to prevent further setbacks this season and to maintain the high standards expected at the club.
“A manager leading a club of this magnitude must be capable of achieving results and bringing the team to the level our fans and stakeholders expect,” Costa said.
Mourinho Emerges as Top Candidate
Veteran manager José Mourinho, 62, is currently in preliminary talks to return to Benfica. Mourinho briefly managed the club in 2000 and most recently was in charge of Fenerbahce, from which he was dismissed last month after the team failed to reach the Champions League group stage.
Mourinho’s career highlights include Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan, Premier League titles with Chelsea, a Europa League win with Manchester United, and the UEFA Conference League with Roma.
The Road Ahead
If Benfica finalize a deal with Mourinho, the club will turn to him to immediately address recent underperformance and to pursue both domestic and European success. The move reflects Benfica’s demand for a proven winner who can deliver trophies and restore confidence in the squad.
Conclusion:
Bruno Lage’s departure signals a critical turning point for Benfica, highlighting the club’s zero-tolerance approach to faltering results in Europe. With José Mourinho potentially returning, Benfica aims to combine managerial experience with high expectations to regain momentum in the 2025‑26 season.
