Jose Mourinho is nearing a return to management with Benfica, set to replace Bruno Lage after his dismissal following the Champions League loss to Qarabag.
The Portuguese club lost 3-2 at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday after squandering a two-goal lead against their Azerbaijani opponents.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed the club plans to appoint a new manager by Saturday. He refused to confirm whether Mourinho is the top candidate.
Reports indicate Mourinho is in discussions about returning to Portuguese football, 21 years after leaving for Chelsea.
Mourinho parted ways with Fenerbahce on 29 August, just two days after the Turkish club exited the Champions League play-offs against Benfica.
Benfica seeks a winning coach
“A Benfica coach must have the profile of a winner,” Costa said. “The manager must bring this team to the levels we demand and deliver the titles we desire.”
Costa added: “We are not talking about names. No coach has been appointed, and we have not mentioned anyone for Benfica in the future.”
Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in 2000 but oversaw only 10 games before leaving after a dispute with the club president.
He then rose to prominence with Porto between 2002 and 2004, winning six trophies, including the 2003-04 Champions League.
Since 2004, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and Fenerbahce.
Upcoming challenges for Mourinho
If Benfica appoint Mourinho, he will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on 30 September.
Benfica also travel to Newcastle United and host Real Madrid during the league phase of the competition.
The club sits sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points behind leaders Porto, though they have a game in hand.
Last season, Benfica finished second, just two points behind Sporting, under former Wolves manager Bruno Lage.
The decision to part ways with Lage comes as Benfica prepares for its presidential election on 25 October.
Joao Noronha Lopes, favorite in the election, reportedly has his sights on Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and watched Portuguese players at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Costa insisted the managerial change is unrelated to his potential re-election. “I’m not trying to save any position,” he said. “My goal is to ensure Benfica’s best future, regardless of elections.”
He added, “This decision is based solely on the sporting season. I have never prioritized my interests over Benfica’s, and I will not start now.”
