Jose Mourinho has aimed a parting shot at Fenerbahce, describing his brief spell in Turkey as a “mistake” and declaring that his new role at Benfica represents a return to his natural level as one of the game’s elite managers.
The 62-year-old Portuguese coach was unveiled in Lisbon this week after signing a two-year deal to succeed Bruno Lage, who departed following a disappointing start to the season.
Mourinho’s appointment marks a homecoming of sorts, as Benfica were the first club to give him a managerial job back in 2000.
The 62-year-old arrives with a point to prove after a turbulent year at Fenerbahce, where he was involved in several controversies and clashed with Turkish football authorities.
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He was handed a four-game touchline ban last season for what the federation called “offensive statements” about refereeing standards and was forced to deny accusations from rivals Galatasaray that he had made “racist comments” during a heated Istanbul derby.
Fenerbahce’s elimination from Champions League qualifying – ironically at the hands of Benfica – proved to be the final straw, leading to his dismissal just weeks before the start of the Turkish Super Lig campaign.
Reflecting on his time in Istanbul, Mourinho was blunt about the experience.
“My career so far has been rich; I’ve coached the biggest clubs in the world, in different countries,” Mourinho said.
Jose Mourinho is back in the big time after replacing Bruno Lage as Benfica boss
|GETTY
“I made the wrong choice. Sometimes I don’t have the right word in Portuguese.
"No regrets, because regrets don’t help us at all in life, but the awareness of what we did well and what we did wrong exists.
“I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce. It wasn’t my cultural level, it wasn’t my football level, it wasn’t my level.
"Obviously I gave everything until the last day. Obviously I had to mourn, like Bruno [Lage] is doing now, because nobody likes to leave.
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“But coaching Benfica is returning to my level, and my level is coaching the biggest clubs in the world.”
Mourinho’s words will not go down well in Istanbul, but they will no doubt be music to the ears of Benfica supporters who see his return as a statement of intent.
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| REUTERSThe Lisbon giants are desperate to reassert their dominance domestically and make an impact in Europe after a sluggish start to the campaign.
The Special One has enjoyed glittering spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, winning league titles in four different countries as well as two Champions League crowns.
His return to Benfica could also set up a fascinating clash with Chelsea later this month in the Champions League group stage – a match that would see Mourinho face the club where he first rose to prominence on the global stage.
Benfica host Vila das Aves this weekend, and Mourinho is expected to be in the dugout as he begins what he hopes will be another trophy-laden chapter of his extraordinary career.
Jose Mourinho is confident he can bring the good times back to Benfica
| GETTYThe Portuguese side have won three of their first four league games this season.
After their clash with Vila das Aves, they're due to face off against Rio Ave on Tuesday (8.15pm).