Lisbon, September 18, 2025 – Newly appointed Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho has bluntly admitted that his stint at Fenerbahce was "a mistake," just weeks after being sacked by the Turkish club following their Champions League playoff exit to Benfica itself. The 62-year-old Portuguese legend, unveiled on a two-year deal with the Eagles on Thursday, used his first press conference to reflect on his short-lived Istanbul adventure, calling it a mismatch for his ambitions.
Mourinho's tenure at Fenerbahce lasted just over a year, beginning with huge fanfare in June 2024 but ending in dismissal on August 29 after a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League playoffs. Despite guiding the side to second in the Super Lig last season, Mourinho clashed publicly with the board over transfers and criticized the club's lack of urgency, famously stating before the Benfica tie, "If the Champions League was vital, something would have been done." Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç cited uninspiring football and poor early-season form as reasons for the split, though Mourinho pocketed a reported £7.7 million payout.
In a candid admission at his Benfica unveiling, Mourinho said, "I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce—it wasn't my cultural level, as far as football is concerned. I gave everything until the last day, but returning to Benfica is returning to my level, and my level is coaching the best clubs in the world." He reflected on his dual résumé—one of triumphs at Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid, and a perceived "less fortunate stage" elsewhere—but struck a bullish tone about Benfica's title chances, adding, "I truly believe Benfica has everything it takes to win the championship."Mourinho's return to Portugal comes after Benfica sacked Bruno Lage following a 3-2 home loss to Qarabag in the Champions League. His first game in charge will be a league clash, but eyes are already on a potential reunion with Fenerbahçe in the Europa League. Fans and pundits alike are buzzing about whether "The Special One" can reignite Benfica's domestic dominance and deliver European glory, especially after his ironic role in knocking out his former employers.
In a candid admission at his Benfica unveiling, Mourinho said, "I made a mistake going to Fenerbahce—it wasn't my cultural level, as far as football is concerned. I gave everything until the last day, but returning to Benfica is returning to my level, and my level is coaching the best clubs in the world." He reflected on his dual résumé—one of triumphs at Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid, and a perceived "less fortunate stage" elsewhere—but struck a bullish tone about Benfica's title chances, adding, "I truly believe Benfica has everything it takes to win the championship."Mourinho's return to Portugal comes after Benfica sacked Bruno Lage following a 3-2 home loss to Qarabag in the Champions League. His first game in charge will be a league clash, but eyes are already on a potential reunion with Fenerbahçe in the Europa League. Fans and pundits alike are buzzing about whether "The Special One" can reignite Benfica's domestic dominance and deliver European glory, especially after his ironic role in knocking out his former employers.
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