Bruno Lage has as good as confirmed Jose Mourinho as Benfica’s next head coach following his sacking.
The Portuguese was dismissed by Rui Costa after a defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League despite leading 2-0.
It’s now understood that Mourinho has agreed to return to his first ever club, and Lage is happy with the call.
Speaking to reporters after leaving the club’s training ground for the final time, he said: “I want to wish the best of luck to the next gentleman.
“I don’t know if the news is confirmed, if it’s Mr. Mourinho or not. He’s a man who knows Benfica well, he played three times with us, he knows this team well.
“He often praised the squad, he said I was a happy man with the options I had, he will be much happier with Sudakov and Dodi [Lukebakio] arriving to play.”
Asked why it didn’t work out this season, Lage added: “The most important thing is that I wish Benfica the best.
“That’s what we tried to do on our return, that’s what we’ve worked hard to do at the start of the season, to show a squad that’s different from the one I found a year ago when we arrived.
“But some constraints, both internal and external, prevented us from doing better.”
He was finally asked why he came back to the training ground, and said: “To give the players a hug.
“They’ve always followed my instructions. I love Benfica very much because the club has done so much for my career.
“I came here to coach the youth teams, and I’m leaving for the second time to coach the senior team.
“Benfica has projected me nationally and internationally in a way I never imagined. Personally, it has provided me with financial conditions that allow me to provide comfort for my family and lead a peaceful life.”
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