Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho, famously known as the “Special One,” has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious managerial career by returning to Benfica. After being relieved of his duties at Fenerbahce last month, where he finished 11 points behind Super Lig champions Galatasaray, Mourinho was approached by Portuguese giants Benfica while on holiday in Barcelona. The club offered him the opportunity to replace the recently dismissed Bruno Lage, which Mourinho accepted, marking his 12th managerial position, 25 years after his initial tenure with the Lisbon side. Under his leadership, Benfica has secured two victories and a draw from three games, but a significant challenge looms as he prepares to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.
Rui Costa said: “I’m not going to say the total amount, I’m not authorised to say how much he earns. Did you ask Sporting and FC Porto that question? It’s a valuable contract. He’s not above what Roger Schmidt earned. I can give you that, but don’t ask me to say how much he earns.”
Rui Costa continued: “It’s around that figure. It’s not a question of transparency or not; I don’t think it’s logical for the president of Benfica to disclose how much a particular person earns. It’s the lowest salary José Mourinho has had since leaving Portugal. He understood the reality of Benfica and that it was an election period.”
Jose Peseiro said: “He wants to go and beat Chelsea to show everyone ‘I am here’.”
Benfica’s president, Rui Costa, has highlighted the significance of Mourinho’s return, describing him as one of the “greatest coaches” in football. Despite the prestige associated with Mourinho’s name, the manager has reportedly agreed to a pay cut to rejoin his first club. His two-year deal is valued at approximately €3 million (£2.6 million) net for the first season, increasing to €4 million (£3.5 million) in the subsequent season. The contract includes a break clause, allowing either party to terminate the agreement 10 days after the final match of the campaign, with termination costs being less than half of Mourinho’s annual salary.
Mourinho’s return to Benfica is seen as a strategic move, given the club’s current circumstances and his own desire to reignite his passion for winning. Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu noted that Mourinho’s previous earnings from sackings alone have reached around £89 million throughout his career. However, Mourinho’s close friend and fellow manager, Jose Peseiro, assures that the fire to win football matches still burns brightly within him, particularly as he prepares to face Chelsea, a club where he previously enjoyed considerable success.
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