Mourinho Clarifies Intentions After Benfica Appointment

José Mourinho has sought to clarify his intentions following his recent appointment as head coach of Benfica. During a press conference, the 62-year-old emphasized that he is not returning to the Portuguese league to “wage war” against his former clubs, particularly FC Porto and Sporting CP. Mourinho’s comments come on the heels of a successful debut with Benfica, which included a 3-0 victory over AVS in the league.

New Beginnings at Benfica

Mourinho expressed his pride in taking on the role at Benfica, where he began his coaching career in 2000. He described the position as a “tremendous honour” and noted that no other club has motivated him as much as Benfica. “If we have a good relationship, if we’re friends and respect each other, the fact that I’m Benfica coach doesn’t mean I’ve come here to wage war,” he stated, seeking to alleviate tensions with Porto and Sporting.

Despite the amicable tone, Mourinho’s arrival at Benfica has not gone unnoticed by Porto supporters. His previous comments during his unveiling sparked outrage among Porto fans, with some expressing their discontent at his new role. During his time at Porto, Mourinho led the team to significant victories, including two Primeira Liga titles and the UEFA Cup.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Mourinho acknowledges that he anticipates a challenging reception when Benfica visits the Estádio do Dragão on October 5, 2023, for a league match against Porto. Reflecting on his history with the club, he commented, “FC Porto is a very important part of my history, and I am a very important part of FC Porto’s history.” His statements indicate that while he is committed to Benfica’s ambitions, he retains a sense of respect for his past affiliations.

As he prepares for the upcoming match, Mourinho remains focused on his objective of leading Benfica to success. “I came to Benfica to enjoy the opportunity to once again coach a club with winning ambitions at a high level,” he asserted. The rivalry between Benfica and Porto is one of the most intense in Portuguese football, and Mourinho’s dual allegiance will certainly add another layer to the historic contest.

With the league season underway and his team in strong form, Mourinho’s leadership will be pivotal as Benfica seeks to reclaim its place at the top of Portuguese football. As the rivalry heats up, fans will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds for one of football’s most prominent figures.