The first happening! The dismissed director virtually announced his replacement in an interview...Mourinho knows Benfica well
Sep 17, 2025
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Coach Raj left the Benfica training center Seyal on the 17th (Korea time) and went on an interview with Portuguese falconers such as Hecord.
Portugal's prestigious Benfica lost 2-3 in the first round of the European Champions League (UCL) league phase of the 2025-2026 season against Karabakh (Azerbaijan) at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
Benfica, who led 2-0 with consecutive goals by Enzo Barrenechea and Vanjelis Pavlidis in the 16th minute of the first half, conceded one goal in the first half and two goals in the second half, allowing a 'all-time upset loss' in front of the home fan.
Benfica's leaders announced Raj's dismissal a few hours after the game. In the fifth round of Riga Portugal against Santa Clara on the 13th, coach Raj also scored a theater goal in the extra time of the second half and drew 1-1.
Coach Raj, who is from Portugal and was Benfica for one season in the 2019-2020 season, took the helm of Benfica again in September last year after going through Wolverhampton and Botafogo. Last year, he was also listed as a candidate for the coach of the Korean national soccer team, but returned to his home country.
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"Good luck to the next coach when I ask him to say a word about his successor." I'm not sure if the report is true or if Jose Mourinho is really coming. (But) Mourinho knows Benfica well. Has clashed with us three times and used to praise this team. He said he was satisfied with the options I had. If Sudakov and Dodi (Lukevacchio) join in, they will be even more pleased." Although he did not make a definitive statement such as "'Mourinho will take on Benfica', he made his appointment a fait accompli by disclosing a conversation he had with Mourinho.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and major Portuguese media are all reporting that former Fenerbahce coach Mourinho will take the helm of Benfica for a while. Mourinho is said to want a quick return to the field after being dismissed from Fenerbahce due to poor performance at the end of August. It is said that the personal agreement has been completed, and only the announcement is left.
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When Mourinho takes over Benfica, he will face Chelsea and Real, who were in charge in the Champions League this season.
Director Raj chose a beautiful farewell. After being replaced after just one year, he said "The players always did what I told them to do. I feel satisfied. I really like Benfica, and she has helped me and my career a lot. It also provided financial conditions for my family to get along well."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
