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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Miguel Dantas in Porto

‘Mourinho is more than a man – he’s a global brand’: coach returns to Benfica with plenty to prove

José Mourinho attends a press conference at Benfica's academy
José Mourinho only managed 11 games in charge at Benfica during his first stint as a head coach. Photograph: José Sena Goulão/EPA

Less than three weeks after being dismissed by Fenerbahce, José Mourinho is back in the dugout. The “Special One” has taken over at Benfica, marking his return to his home country more than two decades after his move from Porto to Chelsea. In an unusual twist he has signed a contract to June 2027 with a break clause next summer related to October’s club presidential election. Will this be a fresh start for Mourinho, or another step down in his career?

Hélder Postiga, a former Tottenham forward and one of Mourinho’s key players at Porto, regards the appointment as a win for an entire nation. Postiga, who scored five goals in Porto’s triumphant 2003-04 Uefa Cup campaign, believes the coach’s return will elevate Portuguese football.

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