Now that he has been paid very handsomely to go away, where will ex-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho land next? Well, he can certainly take his sweet time in finding his next gig, but according to Portugese outlet Record, a homecoming could be in the works.
The outlet claims that Mourinho is in the mix for a return to Benfica, the club where he held his very first managerial job. Then an assistant with Benfica, Mourinho was promoted in September of 2000 to replace manager Jupp Heynckes after the fourth week of the Primeira Liga season.
After being in charge for just nine matches, the Setubal, Portugal native resigned from the club on December 5 after being denied a contract extension. Then newly elected club President Manuel Vilarinho would later express his frustration and regret at letting Mourinho go:
“[Put me] back then [and] I would do exactly the opposite: I would extend his contract. Only later I realized that one’s personality and pride cannot be put before the interest of the institution we serve.”
It almost goes without saying that this episode of drama with the front office would be harbinger of what was to come during Mourinho’s extremely controversial coaching career. Still perhaps a return to his native land might be the best thing for The Special One right now, as it was clear at times this season that he was in need of a reboot and refresh.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.
