Mourinho’s Difficult Start at Benfica

The 1-1 draw with Rio Ave during his first appearance at Da Luz overshadowed Mourinho’s start at Benfica.

Securing just one point against Rio Ave (a team struggling near the bottom of the table) was like a cold splash of water on Benfica’s title ambitions. In the stands, Mourinho was seen frustrated with VAR after Pavlidis’ goal was disallowed due to Otamendi’s fault.

However, this familiar outburst couldn’t hide the fact that Mourinho immediately faced intense pressure at the club he left 25 years ago.

The Breakthrough Specialist

Mourinho didn’t return to Benfica seeking an easy job. At 62, he understands his chances to reaffirm his status in top-tier football are limited. His glorious days with Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid remain an unforgettable legacy.

Two Champions League titles (2004, 2010) stand as powerful proof that he once had the ability to turn disadvantages into advantages, transforming underrated teams into European champions.

For Benfica, that experience is priceless. The club has maintained a Champions League presence with two quarter-final appearances (2022, 2023) and a round of 16 exit (2024), yet still lacks the final push to break through. Mourinho, known for “breaking curses” for mid-level clubs, could recreate that magic here.

Moreover, Benfica is Europe’s “player factory,” continuously producing gems like Ruben Dias, Darwin Nunez, Joao Felix, and recently Joao Neves. Under Mourinho’s guidance, this abundant young talent can blend with seasoned veterans to form a balanced squad full of ambition and resilience.

Times Have Changed

But European football today is different from before; it’s no longer the domain of tight defensive tactics, strong egos, and provocative statements — all trademarks of Mourinho’s brand.

The past decade has seen the rise of young coaches like Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso, and Arteta, who bring fast-paced, dynamic, and cohesive football — a style Mourinho has often been criticized for being “out of sync” with.

In reality, Mourinho hasn’t reached the Champions League summit since 2010. His spells at Man United, Tottenham, and Roma yielded only minor trophies like the 2017 Europa League and 2022 Conference League, not enough to prove he remains the “king” of major competitions.

In England, his tactical rigidity and internal conflicts often created a toxic locker room atmosphere. Bringing that old mindset to Benfica risks repeating history.

Additionally, the hot seat at Estadio da Luz is notoriously tough. Benfica is not a financial giant and regularly sells key players each season. Mourinho must demonstrate he can adapt to a constantly changing squad while keeping pace with rivals Porto and Sporting CP.

A draw against Rio Ave revealed the challenging road ahead.

This return to Benfica is not just a career move but a journey of self-discovery. Success would add a brilliant chapter to his story, disproving the notion that he is “past his prime” and possibly reopening doors to recognition in an era dominated by young coaches.

Conversely, failure would serve as the final confirmation that Mourinho has been left behind. Perhaps he knows better than anyone that time is not on his side. Yet, Mourinho has never been one to retire quietly.

A draw against Rio Ave cannot decide Mourinho’s fate at Benfica, but it clearly exposes both opportunities and challenges. At 62, he faces a defining gamble: prove his worth at the top or accept that his era has ended.

Will Mourinho have the courage this time to step out of his own shadow, reconcile his ego with modern trends, or will he repeat the tragedies experienced at Manchester and Tottenham?