Jose Mourinho declares 'I'm not important' as Benfica managerial return announced, replaces sacked Bruno Lage ahead of Chelsea Champions League tie

Jose Mourinho has agreed a deal to return to Benfica as their new manager, replacing the sacked Bruno Lage. Mourinho had been without a job since he was sacked by Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce earlier this month, and had been linked with a return to the Premier League. Instead, he takes over at Benfica, where he briefly managed in the year 2000.

Jose Mourinho has been appointed as Benfica's new manager, 25 years after his first spell with the club.

Mourinho swiftly replaces Bruno Lage in the dugout after he lost his job in the aftermath of a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Qarabag.

The Portuguese side led 2-0 before being dramatically beaten in Lisbon, with what had been the only blemish in an otherwise fine start to the season.

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Benfica had been on a nine-match unbeaten run and swiftly progressed in the Champions League qualifying stages this season, ironically overcoming a Fenerbahce side managed by Mourinho in the play-off round.

"My promise is I will live for Benfica, live for my mission," Mourinho said.

"I'm the coach of one of the biggest clubs in the world... I'm not important, Benfica is important, Benfica fans are important. I'm here to serve.

"I feel a huge responsibility, but I feel more alive than ever. I want to win competitions... My desire is to fulfil my two-year contract successfully."

Mourinho's first game is away at 17th-placed AVS, ahead of home fixtures against Rio Ave and Gil Vicente.

Their next Champions League outing will see Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge for a blockbuster meeting with Chelsea on September 30.

The 62-year-old is widely regarded as one of the finest coaches in modern football, and boasts a CV that includes domestic titles in Portugal, Spain, England and Italy.

He has also won the Champions League twice with FC Porto and Inter Milan respectively.

Mourinho tasted glory in Europe's secondary club competition, winning the UEFA Cup in 2003 at Porto before winning the rebranded version - the Europa League - with Manchester United in 2017.

Qarabag cause 'one of the great shocks' with late winner at Benfica

Video credit: TNT Sports

The Portuguese is also a revered figure at Roma, as The Giallorossi became the first winners of the Conference League in 2022.

Mourinho is now tasked with returning Benfica to the summit of Portuguese football, after the Eagles finished second last season behind Sporting Lisbon.

If recent history is anything to go by, Mourinho's tenure will be anything but dull after a string of high-profile altercations during his time in Turkey.

'I pick the team by tossing coins' - Mourinho sarcastically responds to question

Video credit: SNTV

He was fined and served a four-match ban that was subsequently halved for two separate disciplinary matters in the aftermath of a match against Galatasaray.

Mourinho also filed a lawsuit against Fenerbahce's bitter rivals, who accused him of making racist statements.

The outspoken coach has previously spoken of his admiration for Scottish football ahead of Fenerbahce's Europa League round of 16 clash against Rangers, but for now, his latest assignment will be in Portugal.

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