Mourinho close to succeeding Lage at Benfica

Jose Mourinho is close to a return to management with Benfica, replacing Bruno Lage who was sacked after the Champions League defeat against Qarabag.

The Portuguese club threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against their Azerbaijani opponents at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday.

Benfica president Rui Costa said they intend to have a new manager in place by Saturday, but would not be drawn on speculation that Mourinho is their preferred option.

BBC Sport has been told Mourinho is in talks about to returning to work in Portugal, 21 years after he left for Chelsea.

Mourinho was sacked by Fenerbahce on 29 August, two days after the Turkish club were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica.

“A Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a winner,” Costa said.

“A coach representing a club of this size must be one with the ability to bring this team to the levels we demand and give us the titles we desire.

“There’s no point in talking about names here. No coach has been appointed, nor has any coach been mentioned to represent Benfica in the future.”

Mourinho began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but took charge of only 10 games and left after a dispute with the club president.

He then made his name with Porto between 2002 and 2004, winning six trophies – including the Champions League in 2003-04.

Since leaving his homeland in 2004, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahce.

Should Benfica appoint Mourinho, he would face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on 30 September.

Benfica also travel to Newcastle United and host Real Madrid later in the league phase of the competition.

Benfica are sixth in the Primeira Liga, five points adrift of leaders Porto, but have a game in hand.

They finished second in the top flight last season – two points behind Sporting – under former Wolves boss Lage.

The move to part company with Lage coincides with Benfica preparing for their presidential election on 25 October.

Joao Noronha Lopes, favourite to win the election, has his sights set on Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and was at Etihad Stadium on Sunday to watch Portuguese.

Costa said the decision to make a managerial change is not motivated by his attempt to get re-elected.

“I’m not here to save any positions,” Costa said.

“I haven’t even gone anywhere to campaign yet, because my goal, as president of Benfica, is to ensure the best future for Benfica, regardless of what happens in the elections.

“And this decision-making has to do solely and exclusively with Benfica’s sporting season, and to avoid jeopardising Benfica’s sporting season. I’ve never put my interests ahead of Benfica’s, and I’m not going to do so now.”