Jose Mourinho has clarified that his return to Benfica is not intended as a confrontation against his former club FC Porto or the reigning Portuguese champions Sporting CP.
At 62 years old, Mourinho made his comeback to Portuguese football last week, marking 21 years since he departed Porto to begin his tenure at Chelsea.
“I believe Porto and Sporting’s leadership will understand that after joining Benfica, I reached out to [Porto president] André Villas-Boas and [Sporting president] Frederico Varandas,” Mourinho shared following Benfica’s commanding 3-0 league victory over AVS on Saturday.
“Maintaining amicable relations and mutual respect means that my role as Benfica’s coach isn’t about igniting rivalries or conflict.”
During his unveiling on Thursday, Mourinho stirred controversy among Porto fans by calling his appointment at Benfica-a club where he launched his coaching career in 2000-a “great privilege.” He emphasized that no previous managerial role had inspired him as much as leading Benfica.
On Saturday, Mourinho sought to ease tensions with his former club.
“My purpose at Benfica isn’t to antagonize Porto,” he explained. “I’m here to embrace the chance to manage a club with strong ambitions and a winning mentality. Praising Benfica as one of the world’s top clubs doesn’t diminish Porto’s stature in any way.”
“If asked whether Porto ranks among the biggest clubs globally, I would affirm it. If questioned about Porto’s status as a giant club, my answer remains yes. And if someone inquires whether I hold a special fondness for Porto despite not coaching them, I would say yes.”
Mourinho anticipates a chilly reception when Benfica visits Porto’s Dragão stadium on October 5 for their league clash.
Just days after receiving a standing ovation at Porto’s 1-0 win over Nacional, Mourinho was subjected to insults from a faction of Porto supporters during their team’s 3-0 victory at Rio Ave on Friday evening.
“Naturally, I don’t expect applause at the Dragão in two weeks,” Mourinho acknowledged.
“I’ve been to the Dragão as Chelsea’s manager and wasn’t greeted with cheers, so I certainly don’t expect that now as Benfica’s coach. It’s part of the game. FC Porto holds a significant place in my career, and I am an important chapter in their history. Both clubs share the same goal-to win. Beyond that, the past is irrelevant.”
During his two seasons at Porto, Mourinho secured two Primeira Liga titles, the Taça de Portugal, the UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League, cementing his legacy at the club.
