It has been some managerial journey for one of the greats, Jose Mourinho.
Unfortunately, Celtic were on the end of peak Mourinho showcasing to the world why he is the ‘special one’, when his Porto side beat the Hoops in the UEFA Cup final in 2003.
That road would result in Mourinho winning the Champions League 12 months later, but that game in Seville, despite it being heartbreaking for Celtic, is still talked about today.
Mourinho might not be hitting the peak he hit in those days, in current times, but that still doesn’t mean he isn’t wanted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs because he is now set to make a controversial call with Benfica.
Jose Mourinho set to become Benfica manager after leaving Fenerbahce
Mourinho was recently sacked by Fenerbahce after the Turkish giants failed to secure qualification for the Champions League.
But weeks later, and despite his legendary links to Porto, he is making the brave call by becoming the next manager of their bitter rivals, Benfica.
Fabrizio Romano shared on social media that Mourinho has reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to sign a contract until 2027 with the Portuguese giants.
‘José Mourinho to Benfica, here we go!’ wrote Romano.
‘Verbal agreement until June 2027. Mourinho has accepted Benfica’s proposal and the formal steps will follow in the next 24 hours. Two-year contract ready for the Special One as Benfica coach.’
What Mourinho said in March about managing Celtic
Only a few months ago, Mourinho was in Glasgow when his Fenerbahce side played Rangers in the Europa League knockout stages.
Understandably, before that game in March, talk turned to Celtic, his previous meeting with the Glasgow giants, and his love for Scottish football.
Interestingly enough, Mourinho spoke about being the manager of Celtic in the future, and with Brendan Rodgers’ contract expiring at the end of the season and the unpopular board not offering him a new deal, then fans wouldn’t have minded the two-time European Cup winner wearing the famous green and white colours.
“In this moment, no, because I have a job (now sacked by Fenerbahce),” said Mourinho in March about becoming Celtic manager. “It’s a job that motivates me and demands loyalty. But why not in the future?
“People can say the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything.
“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is not that fire of the passion does not make any sense. Celtic and Rangers are two big clubs with incredible history, also in Europe. I have lots of respect. They are big clubs with big fan bases, expectations.
“Celtic has a fantastic coach in Brendan [Rodgers].”
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