When news broke that Jose Mourinho was back at the helm of Benfica, fans and pundits alike were buzzing.
The “Special One” returned to the club where he first made his managerial mark in 2000, signing a two-year contract that signals ambition, experience, and, most importantly, a winning mentality.
His first match back couldn’t have gone smoother.
Three days after being unveiled, Benfica travelled to Vila das Aves, determined to bounce back after a crushing defeat to Qarabag under the previous manager, Bruno Lage.
The result? A commanding 3-0 win that immediately restored confidence and belief in the squad.
A Dressing Room Speech to Remember
Behind the scenes, Mourinho worked his magic long before the first whistle.
Benfica’s social media shared snippets of his pre-match pep talk, and it was classic Mourinho: fiery, direct, and full of conviction.
“Winning at Benfica is beautiful. Losing at Benfica is fing tough. Winning at Benfica is fing beautiful,” he told his players.
“We’ve talked a lot, now we’re going there, now we’re going in there, and we’re going to kill them.”
The message clearly hit home. Captain Nicolas Otamendi followed up with his own rallying cry: “The only thing that matters at this club is getting three points and winning titles. One for all, all for one, Benfica!”
The combination of Mourinho’s intensity and Otamendi’s leadership united the squad, setting the tone for a dominant performance on the pitch.
Benfica Shows Character and Dominance
The game itself took some time for Benfica to settle, but once they found their rhythm, they were unstoppable.
Mourinho praised the squad’s character, highlighting how confidence in the second half allowed them to assert themselves fully.
“I said we had to go in with a winning attitude, and confidence levels were high in the second half.
I just had to release the boys,” Mourinho said after the match.
Still, the new manager was measured in his praise.
Facing the league’s bottom team, anything less than three points would have been a major letdown. “It was good, but nothing extraordinary,” he reminded the players, keeping expectations high.
Tactical Tweaks Make an Immediate Impact
Mourinho wasted no time in reshaping his team.
One of the most noticeable changes was the forward line: Andreas Schjelderup was replaced by Franjo Ivanovic, who linked up with Vangelis Pavlidis to score.
Mourinho’s faith in Ivanovic dates back to his performances against Fenerbahce while at Union St. Gilloise in 2024, and the early return has clearly paid off.
Beyond tactics, Mourinho has transformed Benfica’s training approach.
Media now get access to sessions before league matches, a privilege typically reserved only for European fixtures.
Pre-match press conferences have also been moved earlier, allowing players and staff to focus on preparation without distractions.
Upcoming Challenges and Exciting Homecomings
Benfica now look ahead to their next match against Rio Ave at Estadio da Luz, marking Mourinho’s homecoming in Lisbon.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there.
On 30 September, Benfica will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League, giving Mourinho a reunion with his former club.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how Mourinho’s changes and leadership continue to shape the team.
One thing is clear: his return has already reignited belief at Benfica, and the Special One is determined to make every moment count.