Villas-Boas has publicly stated that Mourinho will receive the same treatment like any other Benfica manager, despite him being considered a monumental figure in Porto’s history, and that his contribution to the club will always remain eternal. The main reason behind this is the rivalry shared by the two teams. Villas-Boas has also claimed that he did not wish luck to Mourinho after the 62-year-old informed him of his decision to sign for Benfica.
Mourinho started his managerial career at Benfica, but rose to prominence at Porto. He signed for the Portuguese heavyweights in 2002 and managed them for 127 games. In this tenure, he won two Primiera Liga titles, a Portuguese Super Cup, and a Portuguese Cup. However, his major achievement came in the form of the Champions League triumph in 2004, a year after he guided them to UEFA Cup success. Following their European triumph, Mourinho moved to Chelsea and labelled himself the ‘Special One’.
Villa-Boas has hinted about the hospitality Mourinho might receive at Dragao, saying: “I think José Mourinho has a history with Porto that will always be eternal. He could also be eternal at FC Porto, but he is above all a football professional, so he has to make his decisions as a football professional and follow his path. Right now, he is a rival of FC Porto, he is the coach of Sport Lisboa Benfica. FC Porto’s history also became great because he won against its biggest rival, and in that sense, Jose Mourinho will now receive the same reception as any coach of our main rival, that is, the coach of Benfica.”
Asked if he will be applauded due to his success with the club, Villas-Boas said: “Certainly not.”
Benfica will face Porto on October 5 at the Estadio do Dragao.
